Flow governor and limiter disc assembly in an extraction column

ABSTRACT

A flow limiter system is provided for extracting compounds from raw materials with an extraction column. The flow limiter system may include a flow governor assembly which contains and buffers a flow of pressurized solvent entering the base of the extraction column to prevent the flow of pressurized solvent from drilling into the raw materials packed within the extraction column. The flow governor assembly may further include a first disc with a first set of perforations to direct the surge of solvent through the first disc to transform the turbulent surge of solvent into a column of non-turbulent solvent with a flat surface layer that rises up the extraction column evenly and collectively. Additionally, the flow limiter system may also include a limiter disc including a second set of perforations to allow the extracted effluent to flow through the set of perforations and exit the extraction column.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/072,337 filed on Mar. 16, 2016, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/134,497filed on Mar. 17, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed technology generally relates to the extraction ofcompounds from selected raw materials. More specifically, the presentdisclosure is directed towards the method and process of extracting rawmaterials using a single extraction vessel to extract complexconstituents, which may even include heat sensitive compounds.

BACKGROUND

Solid-liquid extraction is a process where compounds of a solid mixture,such as compounds in a matrix or bed of raw materials, are isolated bydissolving the desired compounds in an added solvent, where the extractis then further separated from the raw materials. As such, the processof solid-liquid extraction is often extensively utilized in a wide rangeof industries to extract desired bioactive and non-bioactive compoundsfor consumption. Examples of such compounds for consumption may be foundin the following, but are not limited to, coffee beans, tea leaves,botanical herbs, spices, nutraceuticals, organic substances, and thelike.

The control of the flow of incoming solvent entering the solid-liquidextraction apparatus and the flow of extracted effluent leaving thesolid-liquid extraction is crucial for ensuring a properly performed andefficient extraction. This is because the flow of incoming solvententering the solid-liquid extraction apparatus and flow of extractedeffluent leaving the solid-liquid extraction are key factors inmaintaining the continued compression and adjustment of hydraulicpressure exerted of the raw materials within the extraction apparatus.However, current technology pertaining to the solid-liquid extractionapparatus fails to further provide a device or a method that allows forthe simultaneous control of the rate of solvent entering the extractioncolumn and the extracted effluent leaving the extraction column, whilealso continuously maintaining the pressure within the extraction column.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

In view of the above drawbacks, there exists a long felt need for asimplified, yet effective extraction apparatus that is more costeffective, efficient, and compact in space. Furthermore, there is also aneed for an extraction apparatus that includes a flow governor and alimiter disc assembly to help control and maintain the flow of solventand extracted effluent entering and leaving the extraction apparatus.

Embodiments of the present disclosure includes a flow governor assemblyincluding at least a first disc configured to contain and buffer a flowof pressurized solvent entering the base of the extraction column.Because the incoming flow of pressurized solvent can result in thesudden and concentrated surging of solvent, the flow governor assemblymay be utilized to prevent the flow of turbulent solvent from drillinginto the raw materials packed within the extraction column. Suchdrilling is avoided in order to prevent an uneven or poor extraction ofthe raw materials.

Additionally, the flow governor assembly may include at least a firstdisc with a first set of perforations so that portions of the solventpass through the first disc in order to reconstruct the flow of solventinto a non-turbulent surge with a flat surface layer that evenly andcollectively rises up the extraction column.

In another embodiment, a limiter disc may be included within theextraction column. The limiter disc may be configured to act as abarrier to keep the packed raw materials within the extraction column,while simultaneously allowing the effluent extracted from the rawmaterials to flow through and exit the extraction column.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosedtechnology. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader'sunderstanding of the disclosed technology and shall not be consideredlimiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should benoted that for clarity and ease of illustration, these drawings are notnecessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a single extraction column,consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of a removable pressure cap of theextraction column, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2B illustrates a removable pressure cap of the extraction column,consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a filtration core assembly to beplaced within the outlet vessel flange of the extraction column,consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a locking mechanism configuredto securely seal a removable end cap onto the extraction column,consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a locking mechanism in alocked position to securely seal the removable pressure cap onto theextraction column, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an extraction columnat the beginning stage of the extraction process, consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an extraction columnat a more mature stage along the extraction process, consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an extraction columntowards the completion of the extraction process, consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the rising flow ofsolvent impacting into the bed of raw materials as the extractionprocess progresses, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the rising flow ofsolvent impacting into the bed of raw materials as the extractionprocess progresses, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the rising flow ofsolvent impacting into the bed of raw materials as the extractionprocess progresses, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6D illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the rising flow ofsolvent impacting into the bed of raw materials as the extractionprocess progresses, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a flow governor assembly in anextraction column, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a limiter disc, consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional side view comparison of anextraction column with and without a flow governor assembly and alimiter disc, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an extraction columnwith a flow governor assembly and a limiter disc, consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 10A illustrates a particular pressure gradient in an extractioncolumn that results in a particular flavor profile from the effluentextracted from the raw materials, consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 10B illustrates a particular pressure gradient in an extractioncolumn that results in a particular flavor profile from the effluentextracted from the raw materials, consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 10C illustrates a particular pressure gradient in an extractioncolumn that results in a particular flavor profile from the effluentextracted from the raw materials, consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 11A illustrates a grind sample of raw materials undermagnification, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 11B illustrates a grind sample of raw materials under magnificationduring hydraulic compression, consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 12A illustrates a grind sample of raw materials undermagnification, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 12B illustrates a grind sample of raw materials under magnificationduring hydraulic compression, consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 13 illustrates a water treatment system to restructure solvent foran extraction process, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 14A illustrates a carrying of a solvent used to extract the rawmaterials with the extraction process, consistent with embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 14B illustrates a carrying capacity of a solvent used to extractthe raw materials with the extraction process, consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 14C illustrates a carrying capacity of a solvent used to extractthe raw materials with the extraction process, consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosedtechnology to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood thatthe disclosed technology can be practiced with modification andalteration, and that the disclosed technology be limited only by theclaims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description is non-limiting and is made merely for thepurpose of describing the general principles of the disclosedembodiments. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a fullunderstanding of various aspects of the subject disclosure. It will beapparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that variousaspects of the subject disclosure may be practiced without some of thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known structures andtechniques have not been shown in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the subject disclosure.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide an extraction columnconfigured to extract compounds from raw materials, such as coffeebeans, tea leaves, botanical herbs, spices, nutraceuticals, organicsubstances, and the like. The disclosed extraction column is configuredto contain and catalyze critical energy creators within the extractioncolumn in order to generate sufficient mechanical and thermal energy toextract the necessary compounds from the desired raw materials. Both themechanical and thermal energy elicited from catalyzed energy creatorsare manipulated and reapplied within the extraction to create aself-perpetuating and self-sustaining extraction process. The releaseand re-use of the generated mechanical and thermal energy not onlyyields the maximization of extraction efficiency, but also allows for avery high energy and dynamic extraction to take place so that a moreconcentrated extract is obtained at a fraction of the extraction timewhen compared to current industry standards.

Additionally, the embodiments of the extraction column may be furtherconfigured to provide a trailing cool layer of solvent so that theextracted heat sensitive and fragile compounds are not degraded ordamaged by the release of thermal energy within the extraction column.The trailing cool layer of solvent thus fully and effectively preservesthe complex and aromatic flavor compounds contained within the extractedeffluent.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a single extraction column 100,consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, theextraction column 100 may be configured in various shapes and sizes inorder to accommodate the various extraction types and configuration ofthe extraction column 100. By way of example, the extraction column 100may include an aspect ratio with a range of 5:1-9:1. In the instancethat the extraction column is circular, the radius of the extractioncolumn 100 may further include a range of 1.5-8 inches. By way ofexample only, where the extraction column 100 is configured to be placedon a bench top, the radius of the extraction column 100 may include arange of 1.5-4 inches, while as an extraction column 100 configured forpurposes of commercial use may include a radius with a range of 4-8inches.

As further illustrated, a removable outlet pressure cap 102 isconfigured to cover the opening near the outlet vessel flange 111 toadequately seal the opening of the extraction column 100. In someembodiments, the removable outlet pressure cap 102 includes a clamp headreceptacle 104 that is configured to securely receive a correspondingclamp lock head 106 of the locking mechanism 110. More specifically, thelocking mechanism 110 may be mounted onto the sides of the extractioncolumn 100 by being attached onto corresponding clamp lock mountreceptacles 112 affixed to the sides of the extraction column 100.

Additionally, the clamp lock head 106 may be further configured toeffectively ensure that the outlet pressure cap 102 seals the extractioncolumn 100, even when the extraction column 100 contains high amounts ofheat and pressure during the extraction process. By way of example only,the extraction column 100 may be configured to withstand pressure up to350 pounds per square inch (hereinafter “PSI”), and as such, the clamphead lock 106 may also be configured to withstands up to 350 PSI.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 110 includes a clamp bodywith octagonal opposing cogs 114, thus allowing the clamp lock head 106to pivot in an upward and downward motion, further allowing the clamplock head 106 to be placed in and out of the corresponding clamp headreceptacle 104. Additionally, the locking mechanism 110 may furtherinclude clamp lever 116 attached to the octagonal opposing cogs 114. Insome embodiments, the clamp levers 116 are configured to aid in pivotingthe clamp lock head 106 in the desired upward and downward motion. Byway of example only, the clamp lock head 106 may be placed in an openposition by pushing the clamp levers 116 away from the extraction column100, thus allowing the clamp lock head 106 to move freely and todisengage from the clamp head receptacle 104. In another example, theclamp lock head 106 may be placed in a locked position to effectivelyseal the extraction column 100 by pushing the clamp levers 116 towardsthe mid-section of the extraction column 100. By doing so, the clamplock head 106 is securely engaged within the clamp head receptacle 104.However, it should be noted that a wide variety of high-strength lockingclamps or lock seals may be used to seal the removable outlet pressurecap 102 to the opening end of the extraction column 100.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, an O-ring 118 may be placed in betweenthe removable outlet pressure cap 102 and a filtration core assembly 120configured to be placed within the opening of the outlet vessel flange111 of the extraction column 100. In some embodiments, the removableoutlet pressure cap 102 is configured to include an inner indent (notshown here) that allows the O-ring 118 to be securely seated within theremovable outlet pressure cap 102. Accordingly, the O-ring 118 mayensure proper pressure sealing when the removable outlet pressure cap102 covers the opening end of the extraction column 100 as theextraction process is underway. In some embodiments, the O-ring 118 mayinclude materials made of PTFE, Buna, Neoprene, EPDM rubber, silicon, orfluorocarbon. The selected material for the O-ring 118 may take intoconsideration the chemical compatibility, application temperature,sealing pressure, durometer, and perimeter size of the area to besealed.

Additionally, the filtration core assembly 120 may be configured tofilter any extraneous raw material sediment or particles trapped withinthe fully extracted effluent, further ensuring that the extractedeffluent is free from fine particles or sediment bleeding contamination.By way of example only, the filtration core assembly 120 may include alimiter disc 122 that makes contact with the completely extractedeffluent that is ready to be filtered and separated from the extractedraw materials packed within the extraction column 100. The limiter disc122 is the first barrier of the filtration core assembly 120.Furthermore, the limiter disc 122 may further act as an outlet retainerholding the packed raw materials in place so that that raw materials donot freely travel through the filtration core assembly 120.Additionally, the limiter disc 122 may limit the flow of effluentleaving the extraction column 100 relative to the incoming flow ofsolvent entering the extraction column 100. In such a case, the limiterdisc 122 may be configured to allow half the amount of effluent to leavethe extraction column relative to the amount of solvent entering theextraction column 100. This then creates a flow differential and apressure differential within the extraction column 100. However, itshould be noted that a wide range of operating ratios of the flow ofeffluent leaving the extraction column relative to the flow of incomingsolvent entering the extraction column 100 may be present, such as 3:1,4:1, 5:1, and 6:1 ratio by way of example only.

The limiter disc 122 may include a semi-permeable disk configured toinclude material made of reinforced steel, or other materials as wouldbe appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon studying thepresent disclosure. Additionally, the limiter disc 122 may include aspecification of ¼″ 316 L, or a size that neatly fits within theperimeter of the extraction column 100.

Next, the filtration core assembly 120 may also include a first filterdisc 124 that works as a primary filter that seeks to prevent any rawmaterials or particles from coming further within the filtration coreassembly 120. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first filter disc124 may be configured to include material made of reinforced steel, suchas 316 L stainless steel mesh, or any other material appreciated by oneof ordinary skill in the art upon studying the present disclosure.Additionally, the first filter disc 124 may further include across-weave anti-extrusion 25 micron mesh capable of capturing particlesas small as 25 micrometers.

Next, the filtration core assembly 120 may include a second filter disc126 that is placed behind the first filter disc 124. The second filterdisc 126 may be configured to further prevent any fine particles orsediment from coming further within the filtration core assembly 120,thus further ensuring that the fully extracted effluent is free from anyparticle contamination as the extracted effluent passes through thefiltration core assembly 120. The second filter disc 126 may beconfigured to include a hydrophilic membrane disc with a 10 micron meshcapable of capturing particles as small as 10 micrometers.

In further embodiments, the filtration core assembly 120 includes athird filter disc 128 that follows behind the second filter disc 126.The third filter disc 128 is placed within the filtration core assembly120 to aid in further preventing fine particles or sediment from comingfurther within the filtration core assembly 120. The third filter disc128 may be configured to include a poly-weave nylon fiber, or othermaterial appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon studyingthe present disclosure. Additionally, the third filter disc 128 mayinclude a 5 micron mesh configured to capture particles as small as 5micrometers. However, it should be noted that the coarseness or thefineness of the filter micron sizes are interchangeable depending onsolvent quality flowing through the filtration core assembly 120 and thetype of raw materials to be extracted.

Additionally, a first separator seal 132 may be placed in between thesecond filter disc 126 and the third filter disc 128 to help increasethe flow of extracted effluent through the filtration core assembly 120and prevent the load up of any fine particles or sediments from the rawmaterials captured by the filter discs. By way of example only, thefirst separator seal 132 may include materials made of PTFE, Buna,Neoprene, EPDM rubber, silicon, and fluorocarbon. The selected materialmay take into consideration the chemical compatibility, applicationtemperature, sealing pressure, durometer, and perimeter size of the areato be sealed.

However, it should be noted that while there are multiple filters withinthe filtration core assembly 120 to filter the fine particles orsediments from the extracted effluent, the bulk and majority of thefiltration may be performed by the raw materials themselves. By way ofexample only, the main purpose of the filtration core assembly 120 issimply configured to capture any solid material not filtered by the rawmaterials. As such, in some instances, due to the quasi-interlockingnetwork of the poly-grain, the filtering capability of the raw materialsthemselves may be able to capture 99.9%-99.999% of all the particles andsediments therein. As such, the filtration core system 120 is thenconfigured to filter the remaining 0.1%-0.001% percent of any remainingparticles or sediments still remaining in the extracted effluent. Thisparticular phenomenon of the raw materials being able to act as its ownbest filtering agent during the extraction process is due to theparticular way the raw materials or coffee grounds are packed into theextraction column, otherwise known as a poly-grain grind matrix. Thepoly-grain grind matrix is a matrix of varying sizes of the rawmaterials specifically chosen to form a matrix that is designed to nesttogether to form a specific quasi-interlocking pattern, thus allowingthe poly-grain grind matrix to capture or trap the raw materialparticles or fine granules such that the filtration core system 120 onlycatches the small amount of particles that get past the poly-grain grindmatrix.

This phenomenon of the poly-grain grind matrix being able to act as itsown best filtering agent is due to the way the raw materials are nestedtogether to form a specific pattern, otherwise known as a “quasi-fit.”Such a quasi-interlocking pattern allows the grounds to sit against oneanother in such a way that allows a good degree of interstitial spacesof the raw materials to be removed when the raw materials are packed andcompressed. However, not all of the interstitial spacing is removed inorder to allow the raw materials to swell and solvent to pass through,which will be explained in greater detail below.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the filtration core assembly 120 may include aquad mesh disc 130 placed immediately behind the third filter disc 128,or the filtration core assembly 120. In accordance with someembodiments, the quad mesh disc 130 may be further configured to helpensure that the raw material is prevented from exiting the extractioncolumn 100. Additionally, the quad mesh disc 130 may also help ensurethat the bendable and malleable filter discs 128, 126, 124 beneath thequad mesh disc 130 are prevented from extruding and remain properlyaligned. The quad mesh disc 130 may be made of 316 L stainless steel.However, it should be noted that the quad mesh may consist of anothersize or material as appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art uponstudying the present disclosure.

Furthermore, a second separator seal 134 may also be placed in betweenthe third filter 128 and the quad mesh disc 130 to further help increasethe flow of extracted effluent and prevent any load up of any remainingfine particles or sediments that have managed to pass through thefilters 124, 126, 128 of the filtration core assembly 120. By way ofexample only, the first separator seal 132 may include materials made ofPTFE, Buna, Neoprene, EPDM rubber, silicon, and fluorocarbon. Theselected material may take into consideration the chemicalcompatibility, application temperature, sealing pressure, durometer, andperimeter size of the area to be sealed.

In accordance to some of the embodiments, the extraction column 100includes a flow governor assembly 136 configured to receive an inflow ofsolvent selected to extract the raw materials of interest. The flowgovernor assembly 136 may further be configured to control the rate ofsolvent flow as the solvent enters the base of the extraction column 100via the connector feed 138. The connector feed 138 may attach to asolvent source (not shown here) and help guide a flow of solvent intothe extraction column 100. By way of example only, the solvent sourcemay include a water treatment system configured to restructure water orwater quality. In other instances, solvent source may also include acity water line or even a solvent tank.

Additionally, the flow governor assembly 136 may prevent the formationof any concentrated surge of solvent from entering the base of theextraction column 100. In the instance that the formation of suchconcentrated surge of solvent or turbulence is not prevented, theincoming flow of solvent will likely cause drilling or the formation ofholes within the bed of raw materials, otherwise known as center holing.The occurrence of such center holing may cause an uneven and poorextraction of the raw materials as the uncontrolled surges of solventseek to travel along the point of least resistance (also known aschanneling) such as up the sides of the extraction column 100.Accordingly, the flow governor assembly 136 may include at least a firstdisc 140 and a second disc 142 to allow the incoming flow of pressurizedsolvent to spread out evenly before making contact with the bed of rawmaterials packed at the base of the extraction column 100. The evenlyformed well of fluid then becomes surge-less and non-turbulent with aflat, linear solvent surface layer, otherwise known as a solventflat-well. The solvent flat-well is a smooth, even, and non-turbulentwell of rising solvent with a perfectly flat and linear surface layer,which has the capacity to contact and connect with the base of thecoffee grounds simultaneously across all of its surface area andcontinue to rise through the coffee grounds in the same manner. Only insuch a way can there be an even distribution of the maximum amount ofhydraulic force throughout the entire extraction process. Accordingly,the flow governor assembly 136 provides a predictable flow control ofsolvent with each extraction.

Additionally, the first disc 140 and the second disc 142 of the flowgovernor assembly 136 may be configured to include perforations andslits on the disc, such that depending on the number and size ofperforations and slits present, the rate of the flow of the solvententering the base of the extraction column 100 may be controlled. By wayof example only, the flow governor assembly 136 may be configured suchthat the incoming flow of solvent entering the extraction column 100 viathe flow governor assembly 136 is twice the rate as the flow ofextracted effluent leaving the extraction column 100. In someembodiments, the flow ratio is configured 2:1, such that the incomingflow of solvent is twice the rate as the flow extracted effluent leavingthe extraction column 100. However, the ratio may be configured so as toaccommodate various ranges, such as 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, or even 6:1 dependingon the type of raw material to be extracted, the selected solvent, andthe pressure setting or the amount of energy to be contained within theextraction column 100.

Furthermore, in order to further securely place the flow governorassembly 136 within the inlet vessel flange 144 of the extraction column100, a removable inlet pressure cap 146 may be utilized to effectivelyseal and cover the opening near the inlet vessel flange 144. In oneembodiment, the removable inlet pressure cap 146 makes contact with theinlet vessel flange 144, allowing the flow governor assembly 136 to besecurely seated within the extraction column 100. In furtherembodiments, a locking mechanism 148 is attached to the correspondingclamp lock mount receptacles 150 affixed to the sides of the extractioncolumn 100. Accordingly, the removable inlet pressure cap 146 mayinclude a clamp head receptacle (not shown here, but identical to theone shown on the removable outlet pressure cap 102) configured toreceive the clamp head lock 152. As discussed above with respect to thelocking mechanism 110, the exact lock configuration may be used tosecurely seal the removable inlet pressure cap 146 to the extractioncolumn 100. By way of example, a range from two to six lockingmechanisms 148 may be attached to the sides of the extraction column 100near the inlet vessel flange 144. However, it should be noted that awide variety of high-strength locking clamps or lock seals may be usedto securely attach the removable inlet pressure cap 146 to the openingend of the extraction column 100.

Additionally, a first solvent diffuse O-ring 154 may be included to beseated in between the removable inlet pressure cap 146 and the flowgovernor assembly 136. Additionally, a second solvent diffuse O-ring 156may be seated in between the inner indent of the inlet vessel flange 144and the second disc 142 of the flow governor assembly 136. The solventdiffuse O-rings 154, 156 may aid in ensuring a properly sealedenvironment. The solvent diffuse O-rings 154, 156 may include severaldifferent materials, such as PTFE, Buna, Neoprene, EPDM rubber, silicon,and fluorocarbon. The selected material for the solvent diffuse O-ringmay take into consideration the chemical compatibility, applicationtemperature, sealing pressure, durometer, and perimeter size of the areato be sealed.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of a removable pressure cap 200 ofthe extraction column, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.FIG. 2A will generally be described in conjunction with FIG. 2B, whichfurther illustrates an assembled removable pressure cap 200. Asillustrated, the removable pressure cap 200 includes both an outer ridgeslot 220 and an inner ridge slot and detent 215 that seats thecorresponding O-rings 205,210 securely within the removable pressure cap200. As such, the placement of the O-rings 205,210 into thecorresponding outer ridge slot 220 and the corresponding inner ridgeslot and detent 215 further ensures that the removable pressure cap 200is properly sealed onto either the opening at the inlet vessel flange(not shown here) or the opening at the outlet vessel flange (not shownhere). Additionally, the inner ridge slot and detent 215 may provide afloor to receive a filtration core assembly (not shown here) at theinlet vessel flange (not shown here) of the extraction column or a quadmesh disc (not shown here) at the outlet vessel flange (not shown here)of the extraction column.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a filtration core assembly 325 tobe placed within the outlet vessel flange 340 of the extraction column330, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. The outlet vesselflange 340 may further include an outer ridge 320 and an inner ridge315. The inner ridge 315 may seat a corresponding O ring 335 securelywithin the outlet vessel flange 340. Additionally, the inner ridge 315may further support the filtration core assembly 325 so that all the 7pieces of the exemplary filtration core assembly is securely seatedwithin the inner ridge 315. In some embodiments, the filtration coreassembly 325 may be seated on the corresponding O ring 335, thuspreventing the filtration core assembly from being worn down when indirect contact with the inner ridge 315. In other instances, the O-ring335 may further allow an effective seal to form between the extractioncolumn 330 and the removable end cap (not shown here). Furthermore, theinner ridge 315 and the outer ridge 320 may fit into the correspondingslots on a removable pressure cap (not shown here), thus furtherallowing a secure seal between the removable pressure cap and the outletvessel flange 340. Accordingly, the inlet vessel flange (not shownhere), may also have similar outer and inner slots so that thecorresponding removable pressure cap (not shown here) may also besecurely sealed with the corresponding inlet vessel flange (not shownhere).

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a lock assembly 400 aconfigured to securely attach to a removable pressure cap 405 of theextraction column (not shown here), consistent with embodimentsdisclosed herein. FIG. 4A will generally be described in conjunctionwith FIG. 4B, which further illustrates the lock assembly 400 b in alocked position so that the removable pressure cap 405 is securelysealed onto the extraction column 440. It should be noted that FIGS. 4Aand 4B is a generalized depiction of the lock assembly 400 that can beconfigured to clamp onto both the removable outlet pressure cap and theremovable inlet pressure cap at the opposing respective ends of theextraction column 440, such as the near the inlet vessel flange and theoutlet vessel flange, as depicted in FIG. 1.

As further illustrated, FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a top view of theremovable end cap 405 with clamp head receptacles 410 configured toreceive a corresponding clamp lock head 420. In some embodiments, theclamp lock head 420 may have a clamp body configured with octagonalopposing cogs 415, thus allowing the clamp lock head 420 to pivot in anupward and downward motion. The pivoting motion of the clamp lock head420 may allow the clamp lock head 420 to be placed in and out of thecorresponding clamp head receptacles 410.

Additionally, the locking mechanisms 400 a,b in FIGS. 4A and 4B mayfurther include a clamp lever 430 attached to the octagonal opposingcogs 415, so as to control the pivoting motion of the clamp head lock420. By way of example only, pushing the clamp lever 430 towards themid-section of the extraction column 440 may allow the clamp lock head420 to be in a closed position, thus allowing the removable pressure cap405 to be tightly clamped within the corresponding clamp head receptacle410, thus further securely attaching and sealing the removable pressurecap 405 to the pressure column 440. By way of another example, pullingthe clamp lever 430 away from the extraction column 440 may allow theclamp lock head 420 to be in an open position, thus freely allowing theclamp head lock 420 to disengage and be removed from the correspondingclamp head receptacle 410.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-section side view of an extraction column500 at the beginning stage of the extraction process, consistent withembodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 5A will generally be described inconjunction with FIGS. 5B and 5C in order to further illustrate thevarious progressive occurrences taking place inside the extractioncolumn 500 as the extraction process proceeds to completion. Asillustrated, FIG. 5A depicts the raw materials 505 packed into theextraction column to be extracted via solid-liquid extraction. In thisparticular instance, by way of example only, the raw materials to beextracted include coffee grounds 505. However, it should be noted thatthe raw materials are not limited to coffee grounds 505, and instead,may contain a wide variety of other raw materials, such as tea leaves,botanical herbs, spices, cocoa, fruits, nutraceuticals, organicsubstances, and the like.

In some embodiments, the coffee grounds 505 may first be hand packedwithin the extraction column 500, which may consist of initially fillingno more than 25-30% of the extraction column 500. The remaining openspace of the extraction column 500 may then be further packed with theremaining coffee grounds 505 using a tamper. Because certain liquidfluids, such as water, characteristically goes from a region of highpressure to a region of low pressure, it is important that the column ofpacked coffee grounds 505 is evenly packed in order to ensure that thesolvent evenly rises and evenly permeates throughout the packed coffeegrounds 505.

Once the coffee grounds 505 are properly packed, the inlet connectorfeed 540 located at the base of the extraction column 500 channels theinflow of solvent, which may be pressurized, towards the base of theextraction column 500. In accordance with some of the embodiments, asthe solvent enters into the base of the extraction column 500, thesolvent first comes in contact with the flow governor assembly 545. Theflow governor assembly 545 is configured to take the incoming highpressure solvent flow from the connector feed 540 and prevent theformation of any turbulence or solvent surging, especially since solventnaturally seeks a route of least resistance within the packed coffeegrounds 505. By preventing the formation of any turbulence or surgepoints, an incomplete and poor extraction is avoided.

More specifically, as the incoming flow of solvent enters the base ofthe extraction column 500, the solvent may first come in contact withthe first contact surface 535 of the flow governor assembly 545. Thefirst contact surface 535 helps break up and distribute the incomingflow of solvent and contain any surging or turbulence to the upstreamportion of the flow governor assembly. Once the incoming flow of solventpasses through the first contact surface 535, the solvent may thenproceed to enter the regulator disc 530 of the flow governor assembly545, which includes precisely spaced and carefully measured slits toallow the incoming flow of solvent to pass through. As the flow ofsolvent passes through the regulator disc 530, the solvent is dividedand redistributed so that the solvent is evenly dispersed and regulated.In some embodiments, the regulator disc 530 is a perforated 316 Lstainless steel disc. Additionally, other materials may be used as wouldbe appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon studying thepresent disclosure.

Finally, the newly evenly dispersed solvent leaving the regulator disc530 of flow governor 545 then proceeds to flow through a quad mesh disc525 of the flow governor assembly 545, thus completing the calming andeven redistribution of the incoming flow of pressurized solvent from theconnector feed 540. As the solvent proceeds to flow through the quadmesh disc 525, the column of solvent 510 forms an even, flat solventsurface layer, otherwise known as a solvent flat-well. The solventflat-well is a non-turbulent solvent surface well with a flat, linearsurface layer that rises to meet the exposed surface area at the base ofthe bed of coffee grounds 505. Because the solvent flat-well is a risingwell of non-turbulent solvent with a flat, linear surface layer, thesolvent flat-well makes contact at the exposed base of the coffeegrounds 505 across all 360° of the circumference of the coffee grounds505 simultaneously, even as the solvent rises through the bed of coffeegrounds 505 during the extraction process. The need for a solventflat-well is absolutely critical for maximum hydraulic authority andpreventing any form of channeling that may result in the boring of holeswithin the base or bed of packed coffee grounds 505, otherwise known ascenter holing. In the instance of channeling or the occurrence of centerholing, an uneven distribution of hydraulic pressurization occurs, andthus weakening the hydraulic action and resulting in a poor extractionprocess.

Additionally, the area where the solvent flat-well first makes contactwith the exposed surface of the dry coffee grounds 505 is known as theboundary layer 520. The boundary layer 520 is the dividing line betweenthe leading edge of the rising solvent and the dry packed coffee grounds505. With the formation of the solvent flat-well, the boundary layerstrikes the entire base of the packed coffee grounds 505 simultaneouslyand evenly as the solvent flat-well and the boundary layer 520 proceedsto move up the extraction column 500. Consequently, the areas nearestboundary layer 520 are the area with the tightest hydraulic packing,then decreasing outward with the square of the distance. This isespecially true since the boundary layer 520 is where packing of thecoffee grounds 505 initially begins. However, because FIG. 5Aillustrates only the very beginning stages of the extraction process,hydraulic compression of the coffee grounds 505 has only just begun toform at the boundary layer 520.

As the hydraulic pressure slowly increases near the boundary layer 520,a reactive layer 515 begins to form as more hydraulic pressure isapplied at the boundary layer 520. Because the boundary layer 520 is thefirst point of extraction, not only is the boundary layer 520 and thereactive layer 515 the areas that are most reactive areas due to thefrictional effects and thermal energy present at such areas, but theboundary layer 520 is where the pressure wave beings to form. which thenspreads the generated energy to the reactive layer 515.

The pressure wave is an area where energy creators are catalyzed so thatthe energy generated is released and re-used to achieve a complete andefficient extraction. The pressure wave consists of a primary pressurewave and a secondary pressure wave. The primary pressure wave is asteady, slow moving pressurized front at the leading edge of the solventflat-well, otherwise referred to as the boundary layer 520. The primarypressure wave both begins the wetting process and pressurization of thereactive layer 515 that triggers the release of carbon dioxide 555 andother trace gases. Such release of carbon dioxide 555 and other tracegases begins the swelling of the coffee grounds 505 and creates acoefficient of friction which holds the coffee grounds 505 against thewalls of the extraction column 500. At the same time, the pressure wavebuilds a supply of potential energy in the solvent flat-well, whileraising the level of static friction at the boundary layer 520 and thereactive layer 515, which aids in the holding of the coffee grounds 505against the walls of the extraction column 500.

However, when hydraulic force in the solvent flat-well builds thereserve of potential energy underneath the base of the coffee grounds505, the hydraulic force soon exceeds the static friction at theboundary layer 520 and the reactive layer 515. This critical tippingpoint, is called the skip trigger. It is where the hydraulic forceexceeds the coefficient of friction locking the coffee grounds 505 inplace against the extraction column 500, which now causes the coffeegrounds 505 from the boundary layer 520 to the base of the bed coffeegrounds 500 to skip or jump upward, which by way of example only, mayrange anywhere from 1 mm to 1 inch depending on the raw materials to beextracted and the size of the extraction column 500. As the coffeegrounds 505 jump upward, the coffee grounds 505 proceed to reengage withthe sides of the extraction column as static friction once again locksthe coffee grounds 505 back in place. As the coffee grounds 505 reengagewith the sides of the extraction column, the secondary pressure wavedriven by inertia, continues to drive the solvent upward, furthercausing the solvent to slam into the base of the coffee grounds 505.This is further illustrated in FIG. 5A, which depicts a small, butgrowing reactive layer 515 due to the solvent driving into the coffeegrounds 505. A more detailed description and application of the primaryand secondary pressure wave with respect to the extraction column 500 ispresented below. Additionally, the energy creators catalyzed during thisprocess are naturally forming or occurring events whereby when force isapplied, energy is released. Examples of such catalyzing energy creatorsare, but not limited to the following: static friction, dry friction,skin friction, fluid friction, potential energy, kinetic energy,mechanical energy, and mechanical wave energy and the water hammereffect.

More specifically, static friction is friction between two or more solidobjects that are not moving relative to each other, such as the frictionbetween the coffee grounds 505 and the interior walls or sides of theextraction column 500 at and beneath the boundary layer 520 at thebeginning of the extraction process. The equation for static friction isthe following: F_(s)=μ_(s)F_(n), where F_(s) is static friction, μ_(s)is coefficient of static friction, and F_(n) is normal force.

Dry friction resists relative lateral motion of two solid surfaces thatare in contact. The equation for dry friction is the following:F_(f)≦μF_(n), where F_(f) is the force of friction exerted by eachsurface, μ is the coefficient of friction, and F_(n) is the normal forceexerted perpendicular to each surface. Furthermore, skin friction is thefriction between a fluid and the surface of a solid, such as rawmaterials to be extracted, moving through or between a moving fluid. Theequation for skin friction is the following:

${{Re} = \frac{VL}{v}},$

where V is flow velocity, L is flow traveling distance, and ν is fluidkinematic viscosity.

In regards to potential energy, potential energy is the energy whichresults from position or configuration, such that the object may have acapacity for doing work as a result of its position in a gravitationfield. The equation for potential energy is the following:

${k = {- \frac{F_{r}}{L - L_{o}}}},$

where k is Hook's Law, L is deformed length, L_(o) is the un-deformedlength, and F_(r) is the restoring force. Kinetic energy on the otherhand, is the energy of an object due its motion. Kinetic energy may berepresented by the following: K.E.=½ mv², where K.E. is kinetic energy,m is mass, and ν is velocity. The total mechanical energy of an objectis the sum of the kinetic energy and potential energy. As such, theformula for mechanical energy is represented as the following:E_(mechanical)=U+K.

Lastly, mechanical wave energy is a wave that is produced with theoscillation of matter, and therefore transfers energy through a mediumas a result. As such, mechanical wave energy may be present within thedry bed of coffee grounds 505 that as the coffee grounds becomecompressed. The mechanical wave energy formula is the following: v=λf,where v is velocity of the wave, λ is the wavelength, and f is the wavefrequency.

Referring back to when the extraction first begins as illustrated inFIG. 5A, there is minimal reactivity in the reactive layer 515 as aresult of minimal hydraulic forces present thus far. However, as thereaction proceeds generally, the further compression of the coffeegrounds 505 begins to catalyze energy creators using both mechanical andfrictional forces that is then converted to thermal energy. This thensets into motion the process of generating a self-sustaining andself-perpetuating thermal reaction, otherwise known as the catalyzingpressure wave cycle. More specifically, the catalyzing pressure wavecycle is a carefully calculated and controlled moving front ofpressurized solvent, which forms at the leading edge of the solventflat-well, and may take two forms—a primary pressure wave and asecondary pressure wave. The primary pressure wave is a steady-state,slow moving pressurized front at the leading edge of the solventflat-well. As it slowly progresses up through the extraction column 500,the primary pressure wave begins the wetting and saturating of thecoffee grounds 505 to begin the catalyzation of the natural energycreators found within the extraction process of solid-liquidextractions. To catalyze such an extraction process, a measured andsteady application of hydraulic pressure is required, whichsimultaneously builds potential energy in the solvent well, and alsobuilds sliding, fluid, and static friction at the boundary layer. Thesecondary pressure wave follows the primary pressure wave, which will beexplained in greater detail below.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an extraction column500 at a more mature stage of the extraction process as hydrauliccompression continues to build within the extraction column 500, asconsistent with embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, hydraulicpacking has begun to compress the entire bed of coffee grounds 505upward, as further indicated by the rising solvent column 510, whichalso includes the lower portion of the already saturated coffee grounds505 extending from the base of the bed of coffee grounds 505 to theboundary layer 520. The darker shading of the coffee grounds 505 is alsoindicative of greater compression, as illustrated in FIG. 5B.Particularly, the thicker and darker shading at the reactive layer 515is also a clear indicator that greater hydraulic packing and compressionhas occurred relative to the beginning stage of the extraction process,as compared to FIG. 5A. Additionally, it is at the boundary layer 520and the reactive layer 515 where the catalyzing pressure wave cyclebegins the self-sustaining thermal reaction, as described in furtherdetail below.

As greater hydraulic compression is applied to the coffee grounds 505,out-gassing may occur at areas where there is the greatest amount ofpressure, such as the boundary layer 520 and the reactive layer 515. Asthe leading edge of the solvent flat-well 515 first penetrates thecoffee grounds 505 at the boundary layer 520, small amounts of carbondioxide 555 gas off. While traditional extraction methods simply releasethe generated carbon dioxide 555 out of the extraction column 500, thisis a tremendous waste of potential energy that can be re-used orrecycled to generate another form of useful energy, such as mechanical,frictional or thermal energy. As such, embodiments of the presentdisclosure contain and catalyze the generated carbon dioxide 555 withinthe sealed extraction column 500, aiding in the process of closing offthe interstitial spaces and low resistance migration travel ways in thecoffee bed while raising the surrounding thermal temperatures. Thisfurther aids in compressing the coffee grounds 505 so that theextraction process may proceed. Additionally, the carbon dioxide 555initially released through the forced off-gassing from hydrauliccompression is further catalyzed from the frictional heating. As withthe other various forms of energy released from the afore-mentionedenergy creators, energy within the reactive layer 515 is converted toheat energy through the process of thermodynamics, which then causes theoff-gassing of carbon dioxide 555 to expand. The expanding carbondioxide 555 compresses the surrounding coffee grounds 505 much moreeffectively.

As the generated thermal heat causes the carbon dioxide 555 to expandoutward aggressively, the coffee grounds 505 are pushed and compressedin all directions. More specifically, the compression from the carbondioxide 555 closes off a greater number of interstitial spaces and lowresistance migration travel ways, and particularly causes the coffeegrounds 505 to be pressed more tightly against the sides of theextraction vessel 500, as indicated by the arrows 555 in FIGS. 5B and5C. As this lateral expansion builds and pushes, the coefficient offriction between the coffee grounds 505 in the reactive layer 515 andareas nearest the boundary layer 520 and the sides of the extractionvessel 500 drastically increases, thereby locking the coffee grounds 505near the reactive layer 515 and the areas nearest the boundary layer 520against the sides of the extraction column 500. As the compressed coffeegrounds 505 are forced against the sides of the extraction column 500,static friction holds the coffee grounds in place while simultaneouslyreleasing thermal energy at the reactive layer 515, further resulting inthe building of a stronger coefficient of friction.

Even as the steady pressure of hydraulics is applied, the coefficient offriction holds the bed of coffee grounds 505 in place, which thenfurther increases the potential energy buildup in the solvent flat-wellwhile increasing static friction and thermal heating in the reactivezone 515. This further increases back pressure and resistance, whichsubsequently causes hydraulic pressure to increase in the solventflat-well until it exceeds the coefficient of friction formed betweenthe compressed coffee grounds 505 and the extraction column 500. This isfurther evidenced by the thicker and darker shading in the reactivelayer 515.

Soon, the potential energy in the solvent flat-well and at the boundarylayer 520 overcomes the coefficient of friction between the coffeegrounds 505 and the sides of the extraction column 500 nearest theboundary layer 520, otherwise known as a skip trigger. In other words,the skip trigger is the tipping point where hydraulic force fromunderneath the solvent flat-well exceeds the coefficient of frictionlocking the coffee grounds 505 against the sides of the extractioncolumn 500. When this tipping point is reached and the coefficient offriction is exceeded, the locked column of packed coffee grounds 505being held against the sides of the extraction column near the reactivezone 515 and everything extending beneath it is released. This causesthe coffee grounds 505 near the reactive zone and everything extendedbeneath it to jump upward with explosive force, which can be heardaudibly and felt to the touch. As a result, large and sudden bursts ofenergy in the form of kinetic energy, mechanical energy, mechanical waveenergy, fluid friction, sliding friction, and dry friction isimmediately catalyzed and released.

Consequently, while the coffee grounds 505 reengage the sides of theextraction column 500 after a skip trigger event, the boundary layer 520does not stop, which results in the secondary pressure wave. This is dueto the inertia built within the moving solvent flat-well propelled bythe hydraulic force behind it. Such hydraulic force, or power at theleading edge of the boundary layer 520, slams hard and deep into thealready tightly compressed coffee grounds 505. This rapid impact ofsolvent suddenly slamming into the coffee grounds 505 is also known asthe water hammer effect resulting from the secondary pressure wave.

The energy released from the water hammer effect is tremendous. As aresult, short, but immense bursts of thermal energy are released, bothinto the boundary layer 520, and the reactive layer 515 due to thefollowing: dry friction as the coffee grounds 505 move closer and rubagainst each other, fluid friction as a result of the column of solvent510 pushing through the coffee grounds 505, and sliding friction as aresult of the hydraulic force pushing the boundary layer 510 and thecoffee grounds 505 upward. Additionally, mechanical energy as the coffeegrounds 505 are moved around, and mechanical wave energy as oscillationsmay be present within the dry bed of compressed coffee grounds 505.

With the solvent deeply penetrating into the coffee grounds 505, immensebursts of thermal energy as a result of the water hammer effect from thesecondary pressure wave, are released from the bed of coffee grounds505, as further illustrated by the larger arrows in FIG. 5C, as comparedto FIG. 5B. As a result of the immense frictional heating, the gases inthe reactive layer 515 expand outward, decreasing with the square of thedistance. This helps in compressing the coffee grounds 505 in thereactive zone 515, which also decreases outward with the square of thedistance, and further prepares the raw material for a subsequentcatalyzation cycle, which will always be stronger than the preceding oneuntil the catalyzing pressure wave cycle plateaus, which will beexplained in more detail below.

More specifically, as further illustrated in FIG. 5C, the catalyzingpressure wave cycle is nearing the plateauing stage. With both theprimary and secondary pressure waves peaking, massive amounts of wettedand frictionally heated coffee grounds 505 are beginning to swell andreach saturation, thus allowing the coffee grounds 505 to be ripe forextracting. As the secondary pressure wave slams into the wetted bed ofswollen coffee grounds 505 in the reactive layer 515, most of theinterstitial spaces and low resistance migration travel ways are nowclosed. As a result, the solvent from the secondary pressure wave isdriven directly into the coffee grounds 505. This immediately causes thecoffee grounds 505 to become super-saturated as the pressure inside thecoffee grounds 505 now equalizes with the ambient pressure outside thecoffee grounds 505, which indicates that the coffee grounds 505 havereached equilibrium and are now fully extractable.

By way of example only, the secondary pressure of the catalyzingpressure wave cycle is where the skip trigger event and the immediatelyfollowing water hammer effect continues over and over again at thereactive layer 515, wherein each successive cycle is stronger than thelast. During each cycle, the necessary environment is created within theextraction process, such that more energy is generated than required tocontinuously perpetuate the succeeding cycle, thereby causing each cycleto be stronger than the last. Temperatures are generated naturally bythe catalyzing energy creators within the extraction process, whichutilizes the process of thermodynamics to achieve the propersolubilization and mass transfer temperature ranges. By way of exampleonly, the solubilization and mass transfer temperatures may be in therange of 196° to 204° Fahrenheit. The solubilization and mass transferwindow is when there is sufficient energy within the critical thermalzone generated from the catalyzing pressure wave cycle, and it is withinthis solubilization and mass transfer window where all the volatiles,solids, and constituents of the raw materials are extracted.

When the solubilization and mass transfer temperature window isachieved, a full and complete extraction will now take place as theboundary layer 520 proceeds to move up the extraction column 500. Itshould be noted that this intended thermal spike at the solubilizationand mass transfer window only lasts long enough to heat-charge thecoffee grounds 505, open the cell walls, and drive the solvent into thebed of coffee grounds 505 so that the raw materials first catalyze, thenachieve a state of equilibrium with the solvent. By doing so, theextraction process is able to draw out all of the available solublesolids, volatile aromatic compounds, and constituents during thissolubilization and mass transfer temperature window.

Furthermore, the primary pressure wave of the catalyzing pressure wavecycle may continue to move up the column, prime the raw material, buildthe necessary static friction at the boundary layer, and build thenecessary potential energy in the solvent flat-well to achieve the skiptrigger event that brings about the secondary pressure wave of thesuccessive water hammer effect over and over again until the catalyzingpressure wave cycle plateaus. By way of example only, the catalyzingpressure wave cycle may plateau when the rise of the hydraulic pressurein the extraction column 500 equals a predetermined or preset pressurerange as set by the pressure regulator, pump controller and/or the inletvalves outside the extraction column 500. When the boundary layer 510equals the predetermined pressure range, the catalyzing pressure wavecycle then stabilizes and does not get stronger and instead, maintainsthe same pressure throughout the duration of the extraction.

This further means that when the predetermined pressure is achievedwithin the extraction column 500, the heaviest pressure wave activity isnow occurring at the reactive layer 515, where the greatest reactivity,greatest water hammer affect, and total energy is being released. By wayof example, the overall energy, which is repeatedly catalyzed andreleased, may include, but is not limited to the following: potentialenergy, kinetic energy, sliding friction, fluid friction, inertialimpact energy, mechanical energy, and mechanical wave energy and thewater hammer affect. This is further illustrated in FIG. 5C, where thedarker coloration of the coffee grinds 505 indicates heaviest expansion,compression, and hydraulic compression with respect to the morebeginning stages of the extraction process, with respect to FIGS. 5A and5B.

However, while the ideal temperature for extraction is within the hightemperature range of the raw material's solubilization and masstemperature range, this same temperature range that does the bestextracting, may also do the most damage. This is true when the rawmaterials are exposed to such high temperatures for an extended amountof time, which results in most, if not all, of the delicate volatilearomatics, compounds, and constituents to be degraded or destroyed.Conversely, the current extraction process and extraction column 500utilizes the high temperature range of the raw material's solubilizationand mass temperature window for only a few fractions of a second beforethe heat begins dissipating, which allows sufficient time to promulgateextraction. However, because this temperature window lasts only for afew fractions of a second, there is insufficient amount of time to doany damage to the coffee grounds 505.

As a result, in accordance with some embodiments, the extraction column500 is configured to include a trailing cool wave 550 that followsimmediately behind the boundary layer 520 in order to further avoidexcessive and prolonged heating in the reactive zone as extractive heattemperatures begin dissipating. This is a critical component of theextraction technology because the cool wave 550 immediately cools thedelicate compounds and constituents immediately extracted in thesolubilization and mass temperature range at the boundary layer 520. Asstated above, allowing the extraction column 500 to attain thesolubilization and mass temperature range is crucial in order toeffectively extract all the constituents and compounds or any heatsensitive compounds from the coffee grounds 505. However, in orderprevent the extracted constituents and compounds from being degraded ordestroyed by the high temperatures, a cool wave 550 that stems from thesolvent flat-well is utilized to immediately cool the extractedcompounds in the reactive zone 515 from the exposure to such hightemperatures. As such, the cool wave 550 helps preserve the delicateheat sensitive compounds within the same vessel where the catalyzingpressure wave cycle is performed, thus eliminating the need for aseparate vessel attached to further cool the extracted effluent.Therefore, immediately following the thermal energy generated from thecatalyzing pressure wave cycle, the solvent flat-well follows directlybehind the reactive zone 515 and the boundary layer 520 cools theextracted compounds, thus allowing the heated extracted effluent to bein immediate contact with the cooler solvent. Through this design, thenecessary compounds within the coffee grounds 505, or other rawmaterials, are extracted and also further protected from heatdegradation.

As the cool wave 550 trails behind the boundary layer 520, the coffeegrounds 505 in the reactive zone 515 are now seeped in the coolersolvent. Just seconds before, the area of the cool wave 550 was theareas where the primary and secondary pressure wave initially extractedthe volatile aromatics, compounds, and constituents from the coffeegrounds 505. Because of the primary and secondary pressure wave, thecoffee grounds 505 are heated, swollen with their cell walls opened, andsuper-saturated, the coffee grounds 505 are able to be extracted at thepeak of the bell curve. Post extraction with the primary and secondarypressure wave, the swollen and super-saturated coffee grounds are nowimmersed in the cool zone 560 and remain swollen and in the state ofequilibrium. Thus, now with the extended residence time, it furtherallows any remaining compounds within the super-saturated coffee grounds560 to be further extracted. As such, any remaining compounds that areextractable below the solubilization and mass transfer temperaturewindow are extracted here in this second extraction area. This secondextraction utilizing the cool wave 550 may run simultaneously with theprimary extraction utilizing the primary and secondary pressure waveoccurring above at the boundary layer, thus allowing two simultaneousextractions to take place within a single extraction column 500. Thissimultaneous second extraction with the cooler solvent greatly adds tothe efficiency of the extraction due to the combining of both heatsensitive and non-heat sensitive extractions in one singular extractioncolumn. Moreover, it combines the broadest possible range ofconstituents from virtually every extractable temperature of thespectrum, creating the most flavorful and robust coffee possible.

An indication that the extraction has worked correctly may occur uponthe visual inspection of the bed of coffee grounds 505. If the bed ofcoffee grounds 505 is hydraulically compressed to approximately 85% ofits original size, it is a good indication that the extraction processwas successful. This visual inspection is possible when using thetransparent Lexan polycarbonate constructed vessel. If the vessel ismade of 316 L stainless steel, other factors may be used to check theprogress of the extraction process. These factors may consist ofmeasuring flow rate through a digital flow meter, counting the number ofskip-triggers reached per minute, or placing one's hand over theexternal portion of the stainless steel extraction column 500 in theapproximate area of the audible pressure wave activity. In this generalarea, a portion of the internal temperature activity is transferred tothe outer portion of the extraction column 500 through the process ofconduction. In such cases, temperature conversion may be used to convertthe temperature that is felt externally and apply it to what is actuallyoccurring internally. Other materials not listed here may be used asappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, otherindicators may be used to check the progress of an extraction based onthe material of the extraction column 500 used.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the rising flow ofsolvent impacting into the bed of raw materials as the extractionprogresses, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly,FIGS. 6A-6D depict the beginning stages of the extraction process untilit matures and reaches a plateau, where the extraction then proceeds tocompletion.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the extraction column 600 a is currentlyundergoing the initial and priming phase of the extraction process asthe solvent 615 first enters through the connector feed 602 and into theextraction column 600 a. This is evident by the lack of hydraulicpressure forming at the reactive layer 625, as indicated by the almostcomplete lack of dark shading in the reactive layer 625 along with theboundary line 610, which is consistent with the very little hydrauliccompression present.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the extraction column 600 b undergoes its firstskip-trigger point 635. The first skip-trigger event 635 occurs when thehydraulic pressure forming in the solvent flat well builds until itovercomes the coefficient of friction of the compressed coffee groundbed 605 b and the inner walls of the extraction column 600 b. Thus,until the hydraulic pressure within the solvent flat-well overcomes thecoefficient of friction, static friction continues to build tension atthe boundary layer 610 as the solvent flat-well of the rising flow ofsolvent 615 steadily applies pressure against the base of the coffeeground bed 605 b until the friction coefficient is exceeded. At thatmoment, when the skip-trigger is reached, the coefficient of friction isexceeded, and the coffee ground bed 605 b breaks free from the sides ofthe extraction column 600 b. The secondary pressure wave is nowunconfined, as hydraulic pressure forcefully drives it upward and pushesthe coffee ground bed 605 b upward in a sudden and violent burst. Morespecifically, when the skip-trigger is reached, the coffee ground bed605 b abruptly skips, or jumps upward as fluid friction, slidingfriction, kinetic energy, mechanical energy and mechanical wave energyis released as a result of the upward jump. In addition, fluid frictionand sliding friction will also take place, thus releasing energy in theform of thermal energy.

While the coffee ground bed 605 b moves upward violently, it is alsoyanked to stop violently and abruptly as the coefficient of frictionreengages. However, although the ground coffee bed 605 b comes to astop, based on Isaac Newton's first law of motion, the rising solvent615 underneath wants to keep moving and slam into the abruptly stoppedcoffee ground bed 605 b when the coefficient of friction of the coffeegrounds and the walls of the extraction column 600 b reengages,otherwise known as the water hammer effect 620 brought on by thesecondary pressure wave. As a result, the coffee ground bed 605 b may befurther compressed, as further depicted by the darker shading of thecoffee grounds, especially at the reactive layer 625. Additionally, thissudden upward implosion of the secondary pressure wave or the waterhammer effect 620 creates a sudden, but tremendous burst of thermalenergy at reactive layer 625, as further indicated by the darker shadingand thicker size in comparison to FIG. 6A.

The release of the thermal energy from the first water hammer effect 620of the secondary pressure wave further feeds into the overall catalyzingpressure wave cycle, as further illustrated in FIG. 6C. Once thecatalyzing pressure wave cycle is underway, each successive catalyzingsequence becomes stronger. Energy creators have been catalyzed, andlarger amounts of carbon dioxide are released with each new catalyzingsequence, which in turn becomes thermally heated to higher and highertemperatures causing greater expansion and thereby causing greatercompression of the coffee grounds. The coefficient of friction againstthe extraction column 600 c becomes stronger each time and locks thecoffee ground bed 605 c tighter as greater resistance and back pressureis created. This in turn increases hydraulic force in the solvent well,which eventually will reach the skip-trigger point 645 and break thecoefficient of friction to begin the next catalyzing cycle once again.At that point, the successive water hammer effect 650 then penetrateseven more deeply each time it slams into the coffee ground bed 605 c,releasing more energy each time as it does so, until the catalyzingpressure wave cycle plateaus. This sequence of events can be seen by thethicker reactive layer 625 and heavier compression of the coffee groundbed 605 c as indicated by the darker shading.

As further illustrated in FIG. 6D, the pressure wave cycle is fullyunder way and matured. The coffee grounds in the coffee ground bed 600 dare further compressed with each additional skip trigger point 655 andwater hammer effect 660, as further indicated by the significant darkershading of the coffee grounds. More specifically, the progression of thedarker shading nearest the boundary layer 610 and the reactive layer 625is a result of the increased packing compressibility of the coffeegrounds. The packing compressibility decreases with the square of thedistance from the point of impact. As such, only the coffee groundsnearest the areas of greatest compression is tightly packed, asindicated by the darker shading. Furthermore, the lesser dark shadingindicates less compression with the square of the distance from theboundary layer 610 and the reactive layer 625, which results in thecoffee grounds being relatively more loose or less compact incomparison. This is critical to prevent subsequent over compression.Again, the catalyzing pressure wave cycle continues with a third skiptrigger point 655 and a water hammer effect 660 as the boundary layer610 again, forcefully pushes into the base of the coffee grounds.Additionally, the catalyzing pressure wave cycle matures with eachadditional skip-trigger point and water hammer effect, where greaterthermal energy is also released at the reactive layer 625 with eachsuccessive catalyzing pressure wave cycle until a plateau point isachieved, as discussed above in detail.

Once the pressure wave cycle has plateaued and has reached its peakcatalyzing ability, the pressure wave cycle will remain in this statethroughout the duration of the extraction process. At this juncture, allthe interstitial spaces and low resistance migration travel ways havebeen closed and the contained resistance and backpressure is now at itspeak. As a result, hydraulic pressure is also at its highest, therefore,the extraction process reaches its peak solubilization and mass transfertemperature threshold. As viewed through one of the transparent Lexanpolycarbonate bench-top extraction column 600 models, the maturationsequence of the pressure-wave process can be evidenced by the increasein volume of the solvent flat-well. This is because when a properpressure-wave extraction nears its completion, the entire coffee groundbed 605 d will be compressed to nearly 85% of its original size.Consequently, this leaves more room for the solvent flat-well 615 to bevisible.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a flow governor assembly 700 inan extraction column 702, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.In one particular embodiment, the flow governor assembly 700 includes 3discs to help control the flow of incoming solvent entering the base ofthe extraction column 702. In some embodiments, the 3 discs may furtherbe separated by 2 mm to 3 mm spacers (not shown here) to allow foradequate flow to occur between the discs. The first disc 745 may containperforations 755, 760 in a symmetrical fashion to allow the solvent toenter the base of the extraction column 702 via the perforations 755,760 of the flow governor assembly 700. By way of example only, theperforations 755, 760 may be configured in a symmetrical fashion toallow a significant amount of solvent to flow through while alsoproviding a sufficient barrier so as to contain the bulk of turbulenceand prevent the surging solvent from entering and rising up through theextraction column 702 and into the bed of raw materials, as furtherillustrated by the circular arrows at the base of the extraction column702.

Additionally, the first disc 745 may include perforation 755, 760 thatare slightly more concentrated towards the center of the first 745 disc.By doing so, the flow of the solvent is slightly more concentratedtowards the middle of the extraction column 700, as further indicated bythe larger sized perforations 760. This may assist with the centering ofhydraulic force and pressure as more flow of pressurized solvent passesthrough the middle of the first disc 745. Centering the hydraulic forceand pressure is important since the solvent naturally has a tendency toseek the point of least resistance and will thus travel towards the sideof the vessel. In event of such an occurrence, the solvent may fail toeven extract all or most of the raw material located at the center ofthe extraction column 702, resulting in an incomplete and poorextraction of the raw materials. Additionally, the concentrating ofsolvent towards the middle of the extraction column 700 may also helpcontain and retain as much energy from the flow of solvent entering thebase of the extraction column 702, while also simultaneously havingsufficient surface area to act as a barrier to limit the turbulence fromreaching the bed of coffee grounds. As any obstruction of the flow ofsolvent accumulatively adds resistance to the flow and reduces energy,the amount of allowable perforations and solid surface area to provide asolid barrier for resistance may be manipulated by increasing the amountand size of perforations 755, 760 placed on the first disc 745.

In some embodiments, a second disc 725 may be placed behind the firstdisc 745 of the flow governor assembly 700. The second disc 725 maycontain slits 735, 740 for the solvent to pass through, thus furtherbreaking apart any turbulence and surging of the solvent remaining afterpassing through the first disc 745. The slits 735, 740 may have adifferent shape than the perforations 755, 760 from the first disc 745in order to further ensure that the turbulent solvent is effectivelydeconstructed. Furthermore, because the slits 735, 740 have a differentpattern than that the perforations 755, 760 of the first disc 745, iteffectively ensures that the slit pattern breaks up the solvent that ispassed through the round perforation pattern of the first disc. As such,the slit pattern effectively ensures that the there is a deliberatemisalignment of solvent transitioning from one disc to another. Thereare a number of equations to establish orifice size vs flow rate for theround sharp edged orifices. For example:

P1−P2<FL2·(P1−FF·P)→Qw=0.0865·C·(do/0.0153)2·√P1−P2/SG

P1−P2>FL2·(P1−FF·P)→Qw=0.0865·C·(do/0.0153)2·√P1−P2/SG×FLVP1−FF·P/SG,

-   -   where P1: Primary pressure (psia); P2: Secondary pressure        (psia); do: Diameter Of orifice (in); C: discharge coefficient;        Qw: h2o flow rate (gal/hr); FL: Pressure recovery factor (=0.9);        FF=Critical pressure ratio factor; P: Absolute vapor pressure of        solvent at inlet temp (psia); and SG: h2o gravity (lbs/ft3)

In some embodiments, the slits 735, 740 may be symmetrical and furtherconfigured so that slightly more of the concentrated solvent passesthrough the middle portion of the second disc 725. Because solventnaturally has a tendency to seek the point of least resistance and islikely to travel towards and up the side of the extraction column 702,having more of the slits 735, 740 slightly more concentrated towards themiddle of the second disc 725 may further assist in centering the flowof hydraulic pressure and force towards the middle of the extractioncolumn 700.

In some embodiments, a third disc 705 may be placed behind the seconddisc 725 of the flow governor assembly 700. The third disc 705 maycontain perforations 715, 720 which allow the solvent to exit the flowgovernor assembly 700 in a smooth, even, and flat flow pattern,otherwise known as a solvent flat-well 704. Again, perforations 715, 720are placed on the third disc 705 instead of a slit pattern on the seconddisc 725 in order to ensure that the turbulent solvent is effectivelydeconstructed. More specifically, the solvent flat-well 704 is an evendistribution of solvent so that it is able to make contact with thesurface of the packed raw materials simultaneously and evenly. Thissolvent flat-well 704 helps ensure that the optimal hydraulic executionof extracting of raw materials is available as the solvent flat-well 704evenly rises up the extraction column 700. Additionally, theperforations 715, 720 may be symmetrically placed and be configured sothat more of the solvent passes through the middle portion of the disc.Because solvent naturally has a tendency to seek the point of leastresistant and is likely to travel towards the side of the extractioncolumn 702, having more of the perforations 715, 720 slightly moreconcentrated towards the middle of the third disc 705 may further assistin centering the flow of hydraulic pressure and force towards themiddle.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the first disc 745, second disc 725,and third disc 705 may each include a misalignment marker 750, 730, 710.The misalignment marker 750, 730, 710 may be configured to ensure thateach of the discs 745, 725, 710 line up and that the correspondingperforations and slits are properly misaligned or offset so that theflow patterns of the slits and perforations do not effectively line upwith each other. This may further ensure that the incoming flow ofpressurized solvent is further deconstructed as it passes through themisaligned slits perforations and slits on each corresponding discs 745,725, 705.

Furthermore, by way of example only, the first disc 745, second disc725, and third disc 705 may be made of 316 L stainless steel or anyother appropriately hard, high tensile strength material suitable towithstand the pressures contained within the extraction column. In otherinstances, the first disc 745, second disc 725, and third disc 705 maybe made Lexan polycarbonate for a smaller extraction column 702, such asone to be placed on a bench top.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a limiter disc 800, consistentwith embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, the limiter disc 800includes perforations 805 configured to allow the extracted effluent toleave the extraction column by first passing through the limiter disc800. Additionally, the limiter disc 800 may act as a barrier that keepsthe raw materials beneath it packed within the extraction column. By wayof example only, the limiter disc 800 may be made of 316 L stainlesssteel or any other appropriately hard, high tensile strength materialsuitable for the pressures contained within the extraction column.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the limiter disc 800 is configured towork in conjunction with the flow governor assembly (not shown here). Byway of example, the limiter disc 800 may control the flow ratio of theextracted effluent exiting the extraction column with respect to theflow governor assembly, such that the rate of solvent entering theextraction column is controlled by the flow governor assembly and therate of extracted effluent leaving the extraction column is controlledby the limiter disc 800. Accordingly, the limiter disc 800 may beconfigured such that there is a 1:2 ratio relationship with respect tothe flow governor. Conversely, the flow governor assembly will have a2:1 ratio relationship with respect to the limiter disc. This ratioimbalance will allow twice the flow of solvent to enter the extractionvessel 900 than the limiter disc 800 is able to release the extractedeffluent out of the extraction vessel. However, it should be noted thatother ratios may be used, such as 3:1, 4:1, and 6:1 by way of exampleonly. When creating the selected ratio between the flow governorassembly and the limiter disc 800, the number and size of the slots orperforations on the corresponding flow governor assembly and the limiterdisc 800 may be manipulated to regulate and control the flow rate. Theequations to establish orifice size vs flow rate for the round sharpedged orifices are similar to the ones as discussed above with respectto the flow governor assembly.

To further illustrate the importance of the flow governor assembly 950and the limiter disc 970, FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side viewcomparison of an extraction column with and without a flow governorassembly or a limiter disc, consistent with embodiments disclosedherein. As such, FIGS. 9a and 9b will be explained in conjunction withone another. More specifically, FIG. 9a illustrates an extraction column900 a without a flow governor assembly or a limiter disc and instead,merely includes a single perforated disc 910 at the base of theextraction column 900 a. Because a flow governor assembly is notincluded, there is unobstructed and uncontrolled flow of solvententering the base of the extraction column 900 a. Consequently, as aresult, the impact of not having a flow governor assembly is immediatelypresent. For example, a center holing or surge 915 of solvent isimmediately present, which results in the bulk of hydraulic forcedriving up the middle of the extraction column 900 a. As furtherhighlighted by the arrows, the pressure is focused unevenly as most ofthe pressure is concentrated in the center areas of the extractioncolumn 900 a and progressively weakens toward the peripheral areas ofthe extraction column 900 a. With the majority of the pressures andforce pushing up unevenly towards the center, the weakened and warpedboundary layer cannot establish a proper upward hydraulic compression ofthe raw materials within the extraction column 900 a. Thus, theinterstitial spaces or low resistance migration travel ways are unableto effectively close, resulting in a very poor extraction of rawmaterials.

More specifically, as a result of a missing flow governor assembly,there is a lack of effective energy present in the upper portions of theextraction column, which unfortunately results in a significant amountof extractable raw materials to remain un-extracted. These low energyareas are often referred to as culls 930. Culls 930 are essentiallysmall, extremely low energy pockets of raw materials that are virtuallyimpossible to extract unless the areas surrounding the low energypockets are recharged. If these culls do not become recharged, the rawmaterials in such areas will go un-extracted, which further results inthe an incomplete and poor extraction of the raw materials.

However, as discussed above, the limiter disc 970 may be configured towork in conjunction with the flow governor assembly 950 to create apressure differential, which then may provide sufficient energy tore-energize the culls 930 so that all the raw materials within theextraction column 900 are extracted. For comparison purposes with FIG.9A, FIG. 9B further illustrates a cross-sectional side view of anextraction column with a flow governor assembly 950 and a limiter disc970, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. Because theextraction column 900 b in FIG. 9B includes a flow governor assembly950, the effective formation of the center holing or surge of solvent asdepicted in FIG. 9A is completely prevented. Instead, with theapplication and incorporation of the flow governor assembly 950, thereis a flat, even, and non-turbulent distribution of fluid and continuesto remain so until the completion of the extraction process, as furtherindicated by the arrows above the flow governor assembly 950.

Additionally, FIG. 9B further illustrates a controlled flow as the flowgovernor assembly 950 controls the rate of solvent entering the base ofthe extraction column 900 b and the limiter disc 970 controls the rateof extracted effluent leaving the extraction column 900 b. By way ofexample only, the rate of controlled flow may be 2:1, so that the rateof incoming flow of solvent is twice the rate of the flow of extractedeffluent exiting the extraction column 900 b. With the use andmanipulation of the controlled flow within the extraction column 900 b,the presence of culls are eliminated, as compared to FIG. 9A. This isbecause only so much extracted effluent can enter and flow through theperforations of the limiter disc 940 to exit the extraction column 900.As such, any extracted effluent near the limiter disc 940 not able toescape through the perforations of the limiter disc 940 is thenredirected downward towards the lower energy culls of the extractioncolumn 900 due to the flow and pressure differentials created, asrepresented by the arrows 960. The redirected flow of pressurizedextracted effluent provides enough energy to recharge any culls locatedat the upper portion of the extraction column 900 b. The culls are theneffectively eliminated because redirecting of the extracted effluentback down the extraction column results in a boost of energy, whichfurther allows the raw materials in the culls to become extracted. Assuch, a very effective and efficient extraction process is createdthroughout the entire vessel with the use of the flow governor assembly950 and the limiter disc 970.

FIG. 10 illustrates three different pressure gradients that result inthree different flavor profiles and intensities from extracted effluent,consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. More specifically, thestrength of the pressure-wave may be manipulated based on the appliedpressure gradient of the raw materials packed within the extractioncolumn. Consequently, the applied strength of the pressure wave may bemanipulated to obtain different flavor profiles or flavor intensitiesfrom the extracted raw materials, such as coffee beans by way of exampleonly. As described in detail above, the pressure wave in the catalyzingpressure wave cycle may reach a predetermined pressure or presetpressure range as set by the pressure regulator or pump controlleroutside the extraction column 1000. Thus, when the extraction column1000 reaches this predetermined pressure, the extraction column 1000 maymaintain this pressure until the end of the extraction process.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the extraction column 1000 a is an exemplaryillustration of a light pressure gradient profile exerted on the packedcoffee ground bed 1030. The light shading at the base of the extractioncolumn 1000 a indicates the presence of a light pressure gradient. Morespecifically, the light pressure gradient may be generated from thelightly pressurized solvent 1010 a entering the base of the extractioncolumn 1000 a. As the solvent 1010 a enters through the flow governor1020, the solvent 1010 a penetrating the coffee ground bed 1030 is metwith fairly light pressure. Furthermore, as a result of the lightapplication of pressure, the compression of the coffee ground bed 1030will be more loose when compared to a coffee ground bed 1030 that iscompressed with stronger pressure application. Consequently, the coffeeground bed 1030 with a somewhat weaker or lighter pressure gradient willresult in a slightly more open arrangement of interstitial spacing sincea lighter compression is applied to the coffee ground bed 1030, which inturn, may result in a slightly lower solubilization and mass transfertemperature window. This may result in a milder flavor profile.

With regards to FIG. 10B, the extraction column 1000 b is an exemplaryillustration of a heavier pressure gradient applied to the coffee groundbed 1040. This is indicated by the larger arrow of the pressurizedsolvent 1010 b entering the base of the extraction column 1000 b underhigher pressure. Once again, the pressurized solvent 1010 b passesthrough the flow governor 1020 and penetrates the base of the coffeeground bed 1040. However, FIG. 10B indicates the presence of a heavierpressure gradient as a result of the base of the coffee bed 1040 beingraised upward from the base of the extraction column 1000 b, and solventpenetration into the reactive layer. This is indicative of heavierhydraulic compression and further results in the coffee grounds to bemore compact and closer together. As a result, this eliminates excessinterstitial spaces and low resistance migration travel ways as thecoffee grounds are compressed more closer and upward within theextraction column 1000 b.

Additionally, the result of this process not only allows for a moresuccessful extraction due to the heavier coffee ground saturation withthe application of a heavier pressure gradient, but it further allowsthe pressurized solvent 1010 b to extract more compounds andconstituents from the coffee grounds. Additionally, the process offurther compressing the coffee ground bed 1040 results in heavierfrictional heating, which consequently leads to raising the solvent 1010b temperature within the extraction column 1000 b. Thus, when thesolvent temperature approaches solubilization and mass transfer windowwithin the thermal critical zone, which may include a range of 196degrees to 204 degrees Fahrenheit, virtually all of the volatilearomatic heat sensitive compounds and constituencies may be extracted.Moreover, due to the increased catalyzing coefficients and higher levelsof subsequent friction, the thermal dynamic return may be higher aswell, exceeding normal temperature standards and heavier hydrauliccompression. As a result, there is a propensity to develop darker andstronger flavor profile of the extracted coffee from the coffee grounds.

Additionally, by way of example only, FIG. 10C is an illustration of amore intense and stronger pressure gradient applied to the coffee groundbed 1050. This is indicated by the larger arrow of the pressurizedsolvent 1010 c entering the base of the extraction column 1000 c underhigher pressure. Again, the pressurized solvent 1010 c enters the baseof the extraction column 1000 c via the flow governor assembly 1020 andrises up the extraction column 1000 c.

Another indication that a stronger pressure gradient applied is due tothe greater compression of the coffee ground bed 1050, as furtherindicated by the darker shading of the coffee ground bed 1050, as wellas extensive solvent penetration into the reactive layer as shown by thethree black arrows inside the solvent flat-well. Because these coffeegrounds are more tightly compressed than the coffee grounds in eitherFIG. 10A or 10B, the coffee grounds are further packed together in anextremely confined space, thus eliminating virtually any residualinterstitial spaces within the ground bed 1050. All low migrationtravel-ways are closed as well causing heavy upward force of thepressurized solvent 1010 c into the coffee ground bed 1050. Resultantly,this raises the coffee ground bed 1050 to its maximum height from thebase of the extraction column 1000 c. Once again, just as with FIG. 10B,FIG. 10C develops a much higher pressure gradient results in intensecatalyzing pressure wave activity, which fosters maximum accessibilityof all available compounds and constituents to be extracted from thecoffee grounds, and at a much higher temperature threshold thanstandard. As a result, with such intensive temperatures and pressuresinvolved, a much darker and stronger flavor profile may be obtained.

More specifically, not only does the higher pressure gradient exerted onthe coffee grounds allow for a more successful extraction due to theheavier coffee ground saturation with the heavier pressure gradient andstronger pressure wave, but there is also massive off-gassing of carbondioxide as the coffee ground bed 1050 becomes more greatly compressed.As discussed above, the off-gassing of carbon dioxide may further causethe coffee ground bed 1050 to further hyper-compress. This mayconsequently result in an extensive conversion of energy into heat, withhigher levels of thermal dynamics coming into play as the greatercompression of the coffee grounds results in greater frictional heatingand consequently higher solvent 1010 c temperatures within theextraction column 1000 c. Accordingly, a higher level of thermaldynamics results in generating heat at much higher solubilization andmass transfer levels as opposed to lower temperatures derived from lowerpressures. As such, the greater generation of energy within theextraction column 1000 c provided by a more intense pressure wavecatalyzation sequence, results in greater conversion of friction,kinetic energy, and mechanical wave energy. All in all, the more intensepressure wave activity allows more volatiles, solids, and constituentsto be extracted from the raw materials, but also, due to the muchheavier temperatures and pressures that develop if, a bolder, stronger,and fuller flavor profile of the effluent extracted from the rawmaterials is the result.

As such, the pressure wave strength may be used and manipulated by thepressure gradient applied to the raw materials in order to help obtain amilder or bolder flavor profile from the extracted raw materials. In anexample design provided below, a table elaborates the relationship ofdifferent pressures gradients and temperature ranges to obtain variedflavor profiles extracted from the raw materials, such as coffee beansby way of example only.

TABLE 1 The relationship of pressure and temperature to obtain differentflavors from the coffee beans. Temperature of Primary Pressure PressureWave Extraction Key (Fahrenheit) Result Flavor Description  0-20 PSI105°-115° Light Extraction Very smooth profile, rich and sweet. 20-40PSI 125°-140° Moderate Good balance of Extraction smoothness, yet richand sweet. Subtle complexities add balance. 40-70 PSI 140°-160° FullExtraction Rich, full body, with well-rounded complexity. Full of sweetvolatiles. 70-90 PSI 150°-170° Heavy Extraction Extremely rich and fullbodied flavor. Contains very high amounts of solid and volatilearomatics.  90-120 PSI 165°-180° Very Heavy High in dark roastedExtraction solids. Contains volatile aromatics that yield smokiness andbite flavors. 120-240 PSI 177°-190° Extremely Heavy Darkest French roastExtraction profile that adds remarkable fullness with smoky edge andbite flavors.

Temperature is the secondary internal energy-oriented driver, which canadversely or positively impact the catalyzing pressure wave cycle.Ambient temperature of the incoming flow of pressurized solvent isinsufficient for extracting all the necessary compounds and constituentsfrom the raw materials. However, while high temperatures may extract thenecessary heat sensitive compounds and constituents, excessively hightemperatures may be damaging and even destroy the extracted compoundsand constituents, especially with extended residence times. As a result,the key to a successful and high quality extraction requires finding adesired thermal window where the extracted compounds and constituentsare extracted, yet preserved.

Because the catalyzing pressure wave cycle releases thermal energy asthe energy creators within the extraction column are catalyzed, itcauses larger amounts of carbon dioxide to be released, which in turnbecomes catalyzed energy to generate the necessary mechanical energy andthermal energy. As such, with each new catalyzing sequence, thecatalyzing pressure wave cycle may up-regulate the solvent temperaturewithin the extraction column. Moreover, the solvent entering the base ofthe extraction column may be at a lower temperature range when takinginto consideration of the increase in solvent temperature with theoccurrence of the catalyzing pressure wave cycle. Additionally, theapplication of specifically tailored temperature ranges may be used toobtain a particular flavor profile of the extracted effluent from theextracted raw materials. As such, manipulating the temperature of theincoming flow of pressurized solvent entering the extraction column maybe utilized to control the catalyzing intensity of the catalyzingpressure wave cycle to obtain a desired flavor profile of the extractionoutcome.

More specifically, by way of example only, applying 0-20 PSI issufficient pressure to lightly drive the pressure wave in the catalyzingpressure wave cycle. The solvent selected to extract the raw materials,such as coffee beans, in the solid-liquid extraction process may be downmodulated to a much cooler temperature than would ordinarily be used forthe pressure wave. This may be purposefully done in order to prevent theextraction process from entering into the critical thermal zone alsoknown as the solubilization and mass transfer window. As such, thetemperature range of the incoming flow of pressurized solvent may rangearound ambient temperatures, with the primary pressure wave catalyzingit to approximately 105°-115° Fahrenheit. These temperatures areselected with the knowledge that the secondary pressure wave will spiketemperatures an additional 20°-40° F. This allows for the extraction ofa wide range of constituents at temperatures below the associatedcritical thermal zone window, which ranges between 196 degrees to 204degrees Fahrenheit for coffee grounds. Because the temperature of theincoming flow of pressurized solvent is low, the solubilization and masstransfer window is not achieved even with the increase in solventtemperature with the application of the catalyzing pressure wave cycle.As a result, this milder pressure and temperature setting may lead to amore mild coffee brew, but with rich and sweet flavor notes present dueto the gentle catalyzing cycle.

In another example, the incoming flow of solvent with 20-40 PSI allowsfor a more sufficient pressure wave activity since it will be able toextract more solids and volatile aromatics with greater pressure andhigher temperature application. By way of example only, an inlettemperature range of approximately 85° F., will be catalyzed toapproximately 125-140° F. by the primary pressure wave. This temperatureselection basically corresponds with the incoming flow of pressurizedsolvent with a pressure range of 20-40 PSI. However, because 20-40 PSIis still not sufficiently strong enough to attain the critical thermalzone of the solubilization and mass transfer window for coffee beanswith an inlet solvent temperature of 85° F., the inlet solventtemperature will be catalyzed to 125°-140° F. by the primary pressurewave. As a result, large groups of solids, compounds and volatilearomatics though still beneath the solubilization and mass transferwindow are now extracted, especially considering the added temperaturespike of 20-40° F. from the secondary pressure wave. As a result, manymore heat sensitive solids compounds and constituents are extracted ascompared to the first PSI selection. This mid-range selection of theconstituency spectrum yields a bolder, yet very sweet, smooth, and richcoffee extract profile available if to be obtained.

In another example, applying and utilizing a stronger pressure range of40-70 PSI activates and takes advantage of a stronger pressure wavecycle by taking full advantage of all heat sensitive compounds and itsability to upregulate the solvent to much higher temperatures. Thetemperatures of the solvent may be even upregulated to the temperaturerange within the solubilization and mass transfer window with the aid ofthe secondary catalyzing pressure wave cycle. In other words, thepressure of the incoming flow of solvent with 40-70 PSI, in combinationwith both primary and secondary pressure waves of the catalyzingpressure wave cycle upregulation, may allow sufficient thermal heatingto be generated so that temperatures within the solubilization and masstransfer window may be achieved. By way of example only, an inlettemperature range of approximately 120° is then catalyzed to 140°-160°F. by the primary pressure wave, which may be effectively utilized withthe pressure range of 40-70 PSI to generate sufficient up-regulatedthermal heating to reach the necessary temperature range of thesolubilization and mass transfer window when taking into considerationthe added heat applied by the secondary pressure wave. As a result, anextraordinarily rich and full bodied coffee extracted where virtuallyall heat sensitive compounds are extracted at the peak of the bellcurve. This combination yields a rich, bold well-rounded cup complexityretaining all the sweet notes in all the appropriate places, and may bereproduced each and every time when such a pressure gradient andtemperature range is applied to the raw materials.

In another example, applying and utilizing a stronger pressure range of70-90 PSI activates and takes advantage of an even stronger pressurewave cycle, by taking full advantage of heat sensitive compounds and thep-wave's ability to significantly upregulate the solvent to highertemperatures. The increase in solvent temperature may be well within thesolubilization and mass transfer window. As a result, maintaining apressure range of 70-90 PSI allows a very wide range of rich solublesolids, volatile aromatics, and complex constituents to be extracted. Byway of example only, an inlet temperature range of 130°-140° F.,subsequently catalyzed to 150°-170° F. by the primary pressure wave maybe very effectively utilized with the pressure range of 40-70 PSI togenerate such sufficient up-regulated thermal heating with the addedbenefit of the secondary pressure-wave. With the upregulated thermalheating, from both the primary and secondary catalyzing pressure wavecycles, the temperature range of the solubilization and mass transferwindow may easily be achieved. As a result, an extremely aromatic,robust and full bodied coffee flavor emanates that contains very highamounts of solids, constituents and volatile aromatics when such apressure gradient and temperature range is applied to the raw materials.

In the instance that a stronger pressure range of 90-120 PSI isachieved, the pressure gradient drives the pressure wave high into thesolubilization and mass transfer window, which immediately allowsvirtually all of the volatile aromatics and constituents and compoundsto be extracted from the raw material. By way of example only, an inlettemperature range of 140°-150° F., which may be catalyzed toapproximately 165°-180° F. by the primary pressure wave, may be veryeffectively utilized with a pressure range of 90-120 PSI to generatesuch sufficient up-regulated thermal heating with the added benefit ofthe secondary pressure wave. With this combination, it is possible toreach temperature ranges at the upper end of the solubilization and masstransfer window with the application of the primary and secondarycatalyzing pressure wave cycle. Because the pressure wave intensity isgreat and at its peak at the solubilization and mass transfer window,the flavor profile attained is similar to that of French Pressed coffeeor an Americano. Thus, the flavor profile may be characterized as richand dark, as most of the solids and volatile aromatics are extractedfrom the coffee beans higher in the temperature and pressure spectrum,further resulting in a much bolder, stronger, and fuller flavoredprofile extracted from the raw materials.

In another exemplary instance, the incoming flow of solvent may includea pressure range with 120-240 PSI, which may be the heaviest pressurerange applied to the coffee grounds within the extraction column otherthan a specialty extractions. This range may also be known or referredto as the basso Profundo, especially because of the extremely darkroasted coffee flavor that is obtained at this pressure range with anapplication of an inlet temperature range of 150°-160° F. that is thencatalyzed to 177°-190° F. by the primary pressure wave. Because of thegreater pressures used, and the exceptionally high temperatureapplication introduced by the secondary pressure wave, it results in avery strong fullness and bite with a pronounced dark, espresso-likesmoky edged flavor in the extracted coffee from the coffee beans. Again,this strong and pronounced flavor profile emanating at the higher end ofthe temperature and pressure gradient results in a very intense pressurewave that allows more volatiles, solids, and constituents to behydrolyzed then extracted from the raw materials at the very highest endof solubilization and mass transfer temperature window. As a result, asignificantly bolder, stronger, and fuller Turkish-like flavor profilefrom the raw materials is extracted.

However, it should be noted that the provided table 1 only representsone particular set of pressure ranges and temperatures in accordancewith a corresponding flavor profile. Indeed, it should be highlightedthat Table 1 is only a generalized guide where an almost limitlessnumber of variations may be used based on a particular desired flavoroutcome and intensity.

Also vital to the quality and flavor of the effluent extracted duringthe extraction process is the size, shape, and packing of the rawmaterial grinds within the extraction column. FIG. 11A illustrates agrind sample of coffee grind particles 1100A under magnification thatfails to form a poly-grain grind matrix, while in stark contrast, FIG.12A illustrates a grind sample of coffee grind particles 1200A undermagnification that successfully forms a poly-grain grind matrix. Assuch, aspects of FIGS. 11 and 12 will be compared and describedtogether.

As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the poly-grain grind matrix of rawmaterials, or in this case, coffee grind particles 1200A, is a matrix ofspecifically sized particle sizes that form a network as the particlesnest against each other. This occurs when the coffee grind particles1200A are not necessarily perfectly uniform, but rather uniform enoughand consist of a selected group of specially chosen particle sizes. Byway of example only, the different weight ranges for the coffee grindparticle 1200A sizes may be achieved only by breaking down the particlesby distinct weight classifications within each appropriate sieve size.The different sized coffee grind particles 1200A may then be combined toform the poly-grain grind matrix as the coffee grind particles 1200A arenow able to nest and interlock with one another when packed into anextraction column. By way of example only, the coffee beans may beground to achieve the selected particle sizes by selectively placing thecoffee beans in a high quality multi-head burr-granulizer or rollermill. This allows the coffee grind particles 1200A to achieve theparticular grind consistency, uniformity, profile and accuracy so thatdistinct particle sizes may be obtained and then combined to properlyform a poly-grain grind matrix. By further way of example only, thepoly-grain grind matrix may consist of coffee grind particles 1200A withsizes that range from the use of as few as 2 sieves and as many as 7,which may depend on the desired outcome from the distinct and variedparticle sizes.

More specifically, the poly-grain grind matrix is a network or sequenceof grind sizes that partially interlock like gears. This gear-likeformation effectively closes most, but not all, of the interstitialspacing and low resistance travel ways within the packed coffee grounds.Such a network formation of coffee grind particles 1200A may be called a“quasi-fit” because the varied sizes of the coffee grind particles 1200Aare designed to sit against one another such that a good degree ofinterstitial spacing within the coffee grind particles 1200A iseliminated, but not all. Because interstitial spacing is still notwholly eliminated, the poly-grain grind matrix still allows room for thewetted coffee grinds to swell when thermal heat from the pressure waveis generated. Thus, when the coffee grinds swell, the interstitialspacing within the coffee grind particles 1200A further decrease,without completely closing, causing necessary resistance and backpressure to form within the extraction column during the pressure wavesequence. As such, the poly-grain grind matrix of the coffee grindparticles 1200A allows for a tighter compression ratio, greaterfrictional heating, enhanced penetration of the coffee grounds, andminimizes the potential occurrence of solvent channeling or centerholing within the coffee grounds. The poly-grain grind matrix thuseffectively helps coordinate the strength, intensity, and duration ofthe pressure wave sequence of the extraction process.

As such, the poly-grain matrix is designed to work in conjunction withthe catalyzing ability of the pressure-wave within the extractioncolumn. Because the poly-grain grind matrix has the capability tosufficiently close off most, but not all of interstitial spacing, thenecessary resistance and backpressure within the extraction column ismaintained to achieve the proper catalyzing pressure wave cycle. As thecoffee grounds become further hydraulically compressed with theincreased resistance and backpressure within the poly-grain grindmatrix, frictional forces from the compressed coffee grounds provide thenecessary catalyst to generate sufficient bursts of extraordinarythermal energy from the secondary pressure wave to reach solubilizationand mass transfer temperatures, and thereby further extract thenecessary compounds and constituents from the raw materials. Therefore,the poly-grain grind matrix may aid in providing the necessarycatalyzing energy to begin the pressure wave sequence, which includesthe secondary pressure wave sequence with the skip trigger event andwater hammer effect, as discussed in greater detail above with respectto FIGS. 5 and 6. Because the poly-grain matrix may aid in bringingabout the necessary conditions for thermal energy to be released fromthe compressed coffee grind particles 1200B, the poly-grain grind matrixmay further aid in up-regulating the solvent temperature within theextraction column as the pressure wave sequence continues to generatemore energy in the form of heat. As such, the solubilization and masstransfer temperature range of 196° to 204° Fahrenheit may be achievedwith the aid of the poly-grain grind matrix so that all of thevolatiles, solids, and constituents of the raw materials are extractedduring the extraction process.

Furthermore, a very important aspect of the poly-grain grind matrix isthat it may also be designed to leave a predictable and calculablecompressibility effect of the compressed coffee grounds. By way ofexample only, the poly-grain grind matrix may result in the predictablecompressibility of the coffee grind particles 1200A to decrease with thesquare of the distance from the point of pressure or point of hydraulicimpact. As such, this means that the coffee grounds closest to theboundary layer is the area with the most compression and then decreasesup the extraction column with the square of the distance from theboundary layer. Or, the compression may decrease with the square of thedistance down the column when being hand packed and tamped when loadingthe coffee into the extraction vessel prior to extraction. Because thepoly-grain grind matrix provides predictable and calculablecompressibility not found with regularly ground particles, it allows forthe necessary calculation, and resultant predictability for consistentquality and extraction results.

Additionally, the coffee grind particles 1200A in the poly-grain grindmatrix may cause the matrix to act or behave as its own filtering agent.In other words, the poly-grain grind matrix filters the effluent passingthrough the poly-grain grind matrix so that any coffee grounds and anysmall or microscopic non-soluble sediment mixed with the effluent istrapped within poly-grain grind matrix and further separated from theeffluent. As such, when the effluent is extracted from the coffeegrounds, the effluent may proceed to travel through the small, butremaining interstitial spacing within the poly-grain grind matrix.Because the interstitial spacing may be so small towards the completionof the extraction process, such as an interstitial spacing of 1micrometer or less by way of example only, the non-soluble sedimentarycoffee grind particles 1200A are not able to travel through theinterstitial spacing and are trapped.

Because the interstitial spacing may be as small as one micrometer orless, the poly-grain grind matrix may capture a range from 99.9% to99.999% of all of the non-soluble particles or sediment combined withthe effluent. In other instances, as the extraction proceeds and theporosity of the interstitial spacing loads up with successively smallerand smaller particle sizes, the poly-grain grind matrix may capture arange from 99.99 to 99.999% of all the non-soluble particles orsediments combined with the effluent. Therefore, the poly-grain grindmatrix may be designed to provide sufficient interstitial spacing toallow effluent to flow through while also simultaneously trapping thecoffee grind particles 1200A and even capture the non-soluble sedimentbleed-out as the effectively smaller and smaller interstitial spacingacts as a barrier or filtering agent to the coffee grind particles1200A.

FIG. 11A illustrates a grind sample of raw materials, such as coffeegrind particles 1100A, under magnification that have been ground usingcommercial use grinders. With regards to FIG. 11A, because the coffeegrind particles 1100A have been ground using standard commercialgrinders, the coffee grind particles 1100A are virtually ground in everypossible size without any consideration of size, consistency, orstructure. As such, the size of each coffee grind particle 1100A mayrange from microscopic dust particles to very large particles that areclearly visible to the human eye and every considerable size in between.Because of such vast incongruities and inconsistencies between the sizeof each coffee grind particles 1100A, the individual coffee grindparticles 1100A fail to sit together evenly, resulting in the presenceof a much wider interstitial spacing in comparison to the poly-graingrind matrix as illustrated in FIG. 12A. As a result, coffee grindparticles 1100A fail to form a network of particles that nest againsteach other three dimensionally, which allows the solvent to travelthrough channels and points of least resistance within the packed rawmaterials in virtually any direction. Furthermore, because the abjectlooseness of the coffee grounds, the solvent seeks the point of leastresistance around the grounds, and fails to effectively penetrate intoall of the coffee grounds within the extraction column. As a result,when the solvent only follows the areas of least resistance, asuperficial and ineffective extraction process results.

Furthermore, this is highlighted in FIG. 11B, which illustrates thecoffee grind particles 1100B under hydraulic compression. Asillustrated, the coffee grounds 1100B fail to effectively sit togetherso that wide interstitial spacing is prominently present even when thecoffee grounds 1100A are under hydraulic compression. Because theinterstitial spaces remain widely open, the solvent further fails toeffectively penetrate through the coffee grounds 1100A as the solventinstead flows through the channels formed within the interstitialspaces.

In stark contrast, FIG. 12B illustrates a grind sample of coffee grindparticles 1200B depicting a poly-grain grind matrix under hydraulicpressure. As illustrated, the coffee grind particles 1200B haveparticles where the edges fit together like gears. However, as furtherillustrated, just as when gears are fitted together and still allow acertain degree of spacing tolerance on either side, such characteristicqualities are also true with the poly grain matrix, even after thehydraulic compression of the coffee grind particles 1200B. This stillallows for the frictional heating and room for the swelling of thecoffee grounds. By way of example only, the interstitial spacingremaining even after hydraulic compression may be in the range from onemicrometer. Without some amount of interstitial space remaining,hydraulic compression from the application of the pressure wave cyclewould compress the coffee grind particles 1200B such that absolutely nowater or effluent can pass through, regardless of the amount of pressureapplied. This event, otherwise known as deadheading, would essentiallycreate an impassable block of cement-like material and completely haltthe extraction process. When a small degree of spacing is allowed, asthe effluent passes through the interstitial spacing of the compressedcoffee grounds, any non-soluble coffee grind particles 12006 combinedwith the effluent will become trapped within the poly-grain grindmatrix, while the effluent still passes through, since the non-solublecoffee grind particles 12006 are simply too large to travel through themicron sized interstitial spacing.

Also vital to the quality and flavor of the effluent extracted duringthe extraction process is the solvent utilized to extract the necessaryaromatic compounds and constituents from the raw materials, such ascoffee grounds by way of example only. FIG. 13 illustrates a watertreatment system 1300 to restructure solvent to be utilized with theextraction process, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

The solvent utilized in the extraction process may be restructured sothat the restructured solvent not only aids in extracting all thenecessary aromatic compounds and constituents from the raw materials,but also aids the extraction process so that the need to utilizeexcessive heat to extract the necessary compounds is eliminated. Asdisused above, prolonged exposure to high temperatures may result in thedegrading or destruction of extracted heat sensitive compounds from theraw materials, which often results in a bitter, burnt, and unpleasantflavor profile of the extracted effluent.

By way of example only, a selected solvent from the extraction process,such as water, may be reconstructed by electrodeionization.Electrodeionization is a water treatment process that does not usechemical treatments such as acid or caustic soda. Instead,electrodeionization utilizes electricity and ion exchange membranes todeionize and separate the dissolved ions from the solvent, such aswater. Water is passed between a positive electrode and a negativeelectrode where the semipermeable ion-exchange membranes then furtherseparate the positive and negative ions to create deionized water.

Because electrodeionization creates an imbalance of ions in the newlyformed deionized water, the deionized water is now unstable as itactively tries to equalize its imbalance of ions in any way possible. Assuch, when de-ionized water comes in contact with raw materials, thede-ionized water may even physically remove and draw out the compoundsand constituents from the raw materials in an attempt to restore thebalance of ions. Therefore, many of the difficult to obtain solids andconstituents within the raw materials may be extracted with the use ofdeionized water, leading to a more efficient and reliable extractionprocess.

The level of ionic purity within the deionized water may be controlledso that an ionic purity range between 0-18.2

Ω is used to extract the raw materials during the extraction process.The ionic purity of the deionized water may be tuned or adjusteddepending on the type of the raw materials and desired extraction to beexecuted. In some embodiments, 18.2

Ω may be the highest level of ionic purity obtained for extracting rawmaterials. While an ionic purity of 18.2

Ω may lead to very aggressive solvent allowing many, if not all, of thecompounds and constituents to be extracted from the raw materials, itshould be noted that there may be a point of diminishing returns whenusing such high ionic purity levels. This is because building andmaintaining such aggressive solvent may become an issue in trying tocontain and regulate the solvent at such high levels, especiallyconsidering how unstable the deionized water is at 18.2

Ω. Furthermore, utilizing solvent at 7-11

Ω may well be sufficient to extract the necessary compounds andconstituents from the raw materials as well as, or nearly as well assolvent with an ionic purity of 18.2

Ω.

As a result, the extraction process may be significantly synergisticallyenhanced with the application of both de-ionized water and thecatalyzing pressure wave cycle. For example, during the pressure wavesequence, the catalyzing energy creators formed within the extractioncolumn results in the skip trigger event leading to the water hammeraffect, as discussed in detail above. When the boundary layer of thecoffee grounds jump upward and stops when it reengages with the sides ofthe extraction column, the solvent underneath continues to move upwardand slams into the halted raw materials.

Additionally, the driving and carrying capacity for various solventsused in the extraction column are highlighted in FIGS. 14a-c . Asindicated above, the solvent plays a key role in the extraction processand with the catalyzing pressure wave, especially since the selectedsolvent must be able to effectively penetrate deep into the rawmaterials where the space in between the interstitial spaces may be assmall as one micrometer or less. Clearly, non-deionized solvent does nothave a characteristic quality to effectively travel and penetrate intosuch small areas, which is evidence by its failure to generate thenecessary catalyzing energy creators within the extraction column.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 14a and 14b , the solvent may bestandard city tap water 1405 a or filtered city water 1405 b configuredto pass through the coffee grounds 1410. Because standard city tap water1405 a and filtered city water 1405 b are both non-deionized solvents, aweak extraction occurs, as indicated by the light color shading of theextracted effluents 1415 a and 1415 b. A weak extraction occurs becausestandard city tap water 1405 a and filtered city water 1405 b are stablesolvents and do not characteristically seek to re-stabilize itself bystripping away ions or extractable particles from the raw materials, asis the case with deionized solvents. As such, without the necessaryrestructured solvent, the catalyzing pressure wave will fail to form andresult in a weak extraction of the raw materials.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 14c , when using deionized solvent 1405c to extract the raw materials from the coffee grounds 1410, anefficient extraction occurs such that most, if not all, of the aromaticcompounds and constituents are extracted, as indicated by the darkshading of the extracted effluent 1415 c. This stark contrast, withrespect to using standard city tap water 1405 a or filtered city water1405 b, highlights that deionized solvent has a very high carryingcapacity due to its characteristic quality of being very unstable, thusallowing the deionized solvent to drive deep into the coffee grounds1410 as it actively seeks to stabilize itself by stripping away the ionsand extractable particles from the raw materials.

More specifically, due to the change in solvent structure of thedeionized solvent 1405 c, the hyper-aggressive solvent is driven deeperinto the coffee grounds 1410. Moreover, the lack of iconicity means amuch heavier carrying capacity for the solvent. As such, the selectedsolvent plays a key role in the extraction process and with thecatalyzing pressure wave, especially since the solvent must be able toeffectively penetrate deep into the raw materials through the very lowporosity of the coffee grounds 1410 within the poly-grain grind matrix.Moreover, because deionized solvent 1405 c seeks to actively stabilizeitself by stripping ions wherever it can find them, it has the capacityto drive deep into the coffee grounds 1410 like a knife, by leaching andstripping-out all of the compounds, constituents and volatiles as thesolvent seeks towards the path of re-stabilization. After fully loadingits carrying capacity, the deionized solvent 1405 c can still slipthrough very small pore-like interstitial spaces within the packedcoffee grounds 1410, especially when the water hammer effect drives therestructured solvent deep into the raw materials and when compression isgreatest.

In addition, the deionized solvent 1405 c further aids in releasingenormous amounts of carbon. As the thermally heated carbon dioxidegasses-off and expands, the carbon dioxide compresses the surroundinggrounds in all directions as lateral compression vectors create strongercoefficient of friction against the walls of the extraction column. As aresult, stronger resistance, backpressure, and higher static frictioncontinues to build in the reactive layer and boundary layer, which heatsup the areas near the reactive layer to further generate a secondaryexpansion of the gases, and then compresses coffee grounds 1410 evenfurther. In turn, this generates higher coefficients of friction againstthe side of the extraction column, which then further generates higherlevels of potential energy in the solvent well with increasing hydraulicpressure. This continuous succession of increasing energy assures higherhydraulic pressure with each successive cycle, which in turn breaks thestronger coefficients of friction, and ultimately unleashes a strongersecondary pressure wave for the next cycle. This repetitive pattern ofincreasing energy each time guarantees that the next pressure wave cyclewill always be stronger than the last until a plateau pressure isreached. Only the highest energy levels catalyzed by the pressure wavesequence will trigger and maintain the energy building andself-perpetuating catalyzing pressure wave cycle. Ordinary water, suchas standard city tap water 1405 a or filtered city water 1405 b, simplydoes not have the capacity to catalyze the required amount of energynecessary for this disclosed extraction process, and nor does it haveany carrying capacity to carry off the solids, compounds andconstituents once the coffee grounds 1410 are extracted. As such, therestructured solvent is integral in aiding the pressure wave sequence sothat the catalyzing energy creators are formed within the extractioncolumn to execute an efficient and effective extraction process.

Referring back to FIG. 13, the water treatment system 1300 includes aconnector feed 1301 that directs solvent to be used for the extractionprocess to the water treatment system 1300. By way of example only, thesolvent used may be water, which is the most universal and efficientsolvent. The water may be sourced from a water treatment center, citywater line, or a water tank. In some embodiments, the connector feed1301 may direct water that is pressurized, where the pressure range maybe from 10-240 PSI depending on the source and the requirements for use.

Once the water flows through the connector 1301, the water may enter thestage media filtration 1302, which is a pre-filter system that consistsof a sediment filter and a carbon filter to partially clean the waterprior to entering the reverse osmosis device 1304. As the water proceedspast the stage media filtration 1302, the reverse osmosis device 1304removes most of the total dissolved solids, which prepares the water tobe restructured by electrodeionization.

As the water proceeds past the reverse osmosis device 1304, the watermay enter the electrodeionization system 1306 to reconstruct the waterwithin the range of 0-18.2

Ω, as discussed above in detail. The ionic purity of water can be tunedor adjusted as desired, which may depend on the type of raw material tobe extracted and as well the type of flavor profile desired.

Next, the now reconstructed solvent may proceed to flow through thefiltration pod 1310, which may be configured to include a total of 3individual filters within the filtration pod 1310. The first filter ofthe filtration pod 1310 may include an activated carbon filter, which byexample only, is paired with a 0.5 micron filter. The first filter maybe configured to remove any contaminants and any off flavors that mayhave resulted from passing through the stage medial filtration 1302. Thesecond filter of the filtration pod 1310 may include a 0.45 micronnominal filter to catch any microscopic particulate matter that is justat or above the size of most bacteria. The third filter of thefiltration pod 1310 may include a 0.2 micron sterilizing filter, whichis a pharmaceutical grade final filter most often used to fullysterilize the contents within the solvent. As such, the filtration pod1310 is a thorough filtration system that eliminates most, if not all ofthe potential contaminants and bacteria within the water.

Next, the water may flow through a ultraviolet light 1308, which acts asa failsafe, and further ensures that the water flowing through the watertreatment system 1300 is absolutely sterile and pure. As the waterpasses through the ultraviolet light 1308, the water may then proceed toflow through the heat exchanger 1312, which may be able to preciselyadjust the water temperature before the solvent enters the extractioncolumn 1320. The heat exchanger 1312 may effectively cool or heat thesolvent or water to the desired temperature based on the desired flavorprofile and intensity of the extracted effluent, as further described inTable 1.

The water may then proceed to flow through the a gear pump 1314 toensure that a pre-determined pressure is applied to the solvent beforeit enters the extraction column 1320. As such, a desired pressuregradient and flow differential is able to be transmitted into theextraction column 1320 based on the manipulation of pressure via thegear pump 1314. Because the pressure wave sequence is highly responsiveto the pressure gradient and flow differential, the gear pump 1314 playsa vital role in ensuring that a desired pressure wave is generated andapplied within the extraction column, as further described in Table 1with regards to the pressure of the solvent. Additionally, the gear pump1314 may also determine when the catalyzing pressure wave cycleplateaus. For example, the catalyzing pressure wave cycle may plateauwhen the hydraulic pressure at the boundary layer and the reactive layerof the raw materials in the extraction column 1320 reaches or equals thepressure as selected on the gear pump 1314. As such, the gear pump 1314may regulate the pressure contained within the extraction column 1320 soas to control and manipulate the catalyzing pressure wave cycle.

To monitor the volume, flow rate, and pressure applied within theextraction column 1320, a universal flow meter 1316 may be incorporatedinto the water treatment system 1300. The universal flow meter 1316 maymonitor the volume, flow-rate, and pressure applied within theextraction column 1320, so that the monitoring and any fine-tuningrequired may be easily determined and performed. As the water enters theextraction 1320, the extraction process may take place. The effluentextracted from the raw materials may then exit the extraction column1320 and be collected in the jacketed catch tank 1322. The jacketedcatch tank 1322 may also further cool the effluent between 25° F.-50° F.to preserve the delicate compounds and constituents extracted within theextraction column 1320.

While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have beendescribed above, it should be understood that they have been presentedby way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the variousdiagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration forthe disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding thefeatures and functionality that can be included in the disclosedtechnology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to theillustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desiredfeatures can be implemented using a variety of alternative architecturesand configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in theart how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning andconfigurations can be implemented to implement the desired features ofthe technology disclosed herein. Also, a multitude of differentconstituent module names other than those depicted herein can be appliedto the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams,operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the stepsare presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments beimplemented to perform the recited functionality in the same orderunless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects and functionality described in one or moreof the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability tothe particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead canbe applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of theother embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not suchembodiments are described and whether or not such features are presentedas being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scopeof the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedin multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

1. A limiter disc comprising: a disc that acts as a barrier to keep rawmaterials packed into an extraction column while simultaneously allowingan effluent extracted from the raw materials to flow through a set ofperforations on the disc and proceed to exit the extraction column. 2.The limiter disc of claim 1, wherein the set of perforations isconfigured such that a rate of extracted effluent leaving the extractioncolumn is half the rate of solvent flowing into the extraction column.3. The limiter disc of claim 1, wherein the set of perforations isarranged such that a rate of extracted effluent leaving the extractioncolumn is slower than the rate of solvent flowing into the extractioncolumn.
 4. The limiter disc of claim 1, wherein the rate of extractedeffluent leaving the extraction column at a slower rate than the solventflowing into the extraction column results in a pressure differentialwithin the extraction column, causing a flow of solvent not passedthrough the limiter disc to be redirected back down towards a base ofthe extraction column to recharge areas within the raw materials thathave low energy to ensure a complete and thorough extraction of all theraw materials within the extraction column.